United Arab Emirates (UAE) security experts have circulated a warning to particularly WhatsApp and smartphone users to remain vigilant, owing to rapid spread of a spy software that is capable of clandestinely recording audio and video, take selfies and read users chats.
Skygofree Spyware which can enable hackers to spy into a user’s internet activity, track location and steal critical information like passwords and card numbers is described as one of the “most advanced” and highly sophisticated malware that has already infected a number of smart phones.
Cybersecurity firm Kapersky, in a report mentioned that the spy tool collects messages from WhatsApp and could secretly turn on the front-facing camera of a Smartphone and take photos when the user unlocks the device, "one could only guess how the criminals will use these photos.”
Skygofree is spread through fake mobile operator websites, where it is disguised as an update to improve mobile internet speed.
According to a Dubai-based software engineer anyone can unknowingly implant the malware into their phones by doing things like clicking on downloads from untrusted websites, failing to update their device or not having an anti-virus tool installed.
Manager at cybersecurity Majid Khan said “Any user should be cautious of their online activities and pay due diligence to security as threats are often only detected long after they have carried out their malicious intent,”
“Mobile phone users need to be careful when they install an app that asks too many permissions.”
“Smartphone users should read about the capabilities of the Skygofree malware so they can understand the incredible amount of sensitive information such attacks are capable of intercepting and extracting,” he added.
The Facebook-owned messaging app is one of the most popular mobile apps worldwide and has a massive amount of users in the UAE. As of July last year, over 1.3 billion people across the globe actively used the tool each month.
