Posted on April 18, 2021 at 3:12 PM
Messaging Apps prone to malware Disguised under ‘Darez’ name
A new malware has been detected on messaging apps. This malware is making it possible for hackers to infiltrate a device and take away sensitive user details such as contact lists, location, photos, etc.
Messenger apps are at a high risk of a malicious attack from malware disguising itself as ‘Darez.’ The name of this software has been gotten from a popular e-commerce platform known as Daraz.
The Lure of Free Gifts
The software is being sent as an invite link under the title, ‘Giving Gifts to Darez Supporters.’ It is purportedly giving away gifts to those who will follow the link. The message regarding the gifts is being sent to people on various messaging platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, etc.
When a person follows the link, hackers can gain access to their device and give them access to sensitive and confidential details. Some of the details obtained by hackers include images, contact lists, and more. The link is disguised as ‘Darez’ instead of ‘Daraz’ to lure more unsuspecting users.
One WhatsApp user stated that he had followed the link sent to him before confirming the brand’s name. Shortly after, the link accessed his contact list. The main reason why this user was unable to detect the link as a malicious one was that the hackers used the same logo and URL on Daraz. The only minor alteration made was on the name, which may have been hard to identify at first.
The malicious software has only been identified on Facebook Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp. According to the International Internet Gateway (IIG), over 3.5 crore WhatsApp users existed in the country and more than two crore Viber users. This gives hackers a large target group of people from whom they can obtain confidential details such as contact lists, IP addresses, photos, location, and more.
Malware and how it Disrupts Functionality
Malware is a form of computer virus that affects how a phone or a computer functions. By doing this, it collects sensitive data and also gains access to your phone or computer systems. Malware can also send unwanted promotions to your device through messaging apps.
While some malware forms may be detected on the attacked device, others can stay hidden and slowly steal away confidential details from your phone. It will regularly steal data and monitor all your operations.
According to the president of Internet Gateway, Sarowar Alam Sikder, multiple hackers send these links to devices intending to obtain information that they can use to blackmail users later. Like the one sent in this case, the link is usually sent to multiple OTT platforms with a large user base.
Malware can also be used in defrauding individuals. A Facebook user also spoke from experience and detailed how he had followed all the prompts provided in the link to no avail. Shortly after, he realized that Tk 200 that was on his mobile wallet had been stolen.
Mobile users need to remain proactive to ensure that they can detect such malware as soon as it is sent to their devices. This is because once your device is affected by malware, getting it out of the phone’s system may be tricky or impossible. For mobile users to be aware of this threat, the relevant authorities announced the existence of the malware on messaging platforms and asked people to remain vigilant.
