The government issued a warning to its citizens regarding an advanced malware named “DogeRAT,” which is targeting Android users. The malware can access sensitive data and enable hackers to take control of infected devices. The advisory was released by the Controller General of Defence Accounts after cybersecurity startup CloudSEK brought the remote access trojan named DogeRAT to their attention.
The malware is primarily aimed at Android users in India and is distributed through social media and messaging platforms disguised as legitimate apps, including ChatGPT and Opera Mini, and even as “premium versions” of popular apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Instagram.
The malware targets users primarily in India but aims to have a global reach. The banking and entertainment industries are facing the most attacks. While the origin of the threat remains unknown, cybercriminals recently used Telegram to spread the malware through fake versions of popular apps, including ChatGPT, Instagram, Opera Mini, and YouTube, according to the government’s advisory.
DogeRAT can infect a device and take control of it. Once infected, the malware can perform a range of malicious activities, such as sending spam messages, making unauthorised payments, modifying files, and remotely taking photos using the device’s cameras. The malware has the ability to track the location of the device, record audio using the microphone, retrieve the contact list, access calls, SMS, clipboard, and notification logs, and execute additional commands.
How to stay safe from DogeRAT malware
The Indian Defense Ministry has issued guidelines urging its officials and public to avoid downloading apps from unknown third-party app stores and instead install apps from official app stores, such as Google Play Store, App Store, and Microsoft Store. It has also advised users to click on links from unknown senders to prevent cyber attacks. It is also advised to update smartphones with the latest software and security patches and install an antivirus app to enhance security measures.
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