New spyware ‘Goontact’ targets iOS users to steal personal information - Android

The issue with smartphones and malware has been as long as the conception of the device itself, and even predates the device’s actual creation. Adding to this ongoing drama is yet another malware that takes the form of both spyware and malware simultaneously, referred to as “Goontact.” As spyware, Goontact gathers affected users’ personal information […]

This article, New spyware ‘Goontact’ targets iOS users to steal personal information, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.

The issue with smartphones and malware has been as long as the conception of the device itself, and even predates the device’s actual creation. Adding to this ongoing drama is yet another malware that takes the form of both spyware and malware simultaneously, referred to as “Goontact.”

As spyware, Goontact gathers affected users’ personal information and data, such as SMS, contacts, and photos, illicitly, if installed. Reportedly, the malware seems to target victims from within the East Asian region, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, often as a result of incidentally visiting shady websites.

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Upon luring unwitting victims into an illicit website, Goontact then performs its function as ransomware by duping the target into installing applications that, if complied upon, will not only leak the users’ information but also exposes the compromised target to a blackmail, i.e., ransomware.

Of interest in the overall scheme is the idea that the malware employs certificates from legitimate companies, raising questions as to how the perpetrators managed to get a hand on them.

Aware of the incident, Apple is already taking action in revoking certificates that were identified as being used with the hack.

Meantime, users are being encouraged to apply due vigilance when using their smart devices to prevent falling victim to an insidious scheme.

Source: Lookout

This article, New spyware ‘Goontact’ targets iOS users to steal personal information, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.