Monokle, the new virus that steals mobile information
The malware was discovered by the cybersecurity company Lookout. In principle it only affects devices with Android operating system
The experts of the cybersecurity company Lookout discovered a new malicious software for mobile surveillance that affects Android operating system. According to the company, the virus was created by Special Technology Center (STC).
The company that created the software is located in St. Petersburg and maintains commercial relations as a military contractor with the Russian government.
The malware called Monokle is intended to extract data from users. It also allows the installation of security certificates through which traffic from pages and applications that are apparently safe can be intercepted.
Among the effects of the virus are the capture of videos and photographs, the detection of social networks and the tracking of the location of the infected device. The Trojan also extracts user-defined predictive text dictionaries, which allows contrasting the topics of interest.
Lookout researchers argue: “Monokle is an advanced piece of surveillance software that has implemented several features that we have not seen before to capture data.” The software appears in very specific applications, all belonging to the Android operating system.
Monokle is a great example of the great trend of companies and national states that develop sophisticated malicious programs for mobile devices that we have observed over the years, says the expert from cybersecurity firm.
L. Saenz
Source: ABC
