Android users in India, be on high alert!
A new kind of malware called “Daam” has emerged, capable of bypassing security measures and stealing sensitive data from your phone.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the government’s cybersecurity agency, has issued an urgent advisory warning users about this dangerous threat.
Daam is particularly concerning for several reasons:
- Data Theft: This malware can infiltrate your phone’s defenses and steal a wide range of personal information, including your call history, contacts, browsing history, and even hijack your camera.
- Ransomware Deployment: Daam can deploy ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment to unlock them. This can leave you without access to your important documents, photos, and other data.
- Security Bypass: One of the most critical aspects of Daam is its ability to bypass security checks on Android devices. This makes it especially difficult to detect and remove using traditional antivirus software.
- Extensive Control: If Daam infects your phone, it can gain extensive permissions, allowing it to read your browsing history and bookmarks, terminate background processes, steal your call logs, and more.
Daam spreads through untrusted sources like third-party app stores and downloads from unknown websites.
- Download Responsibly: Only download apps from the official Google Play Store and avoid installing apps from untrusted sources.
- Be Wary of Clicks: Don’t click on suspicious links in emails, text messages, or on websites.
- Check Sender Information: Legitimate text messages from banks typically display the bank’s name as the sender ID, not a phone number. Be wary of messages with phone numbers or shortened URLs (“bitly” or “tinyurl”).
- Update Regularly: Ensure your Android device and antivirus software are updated with the latest security patches.
- Stay Alert: Be cautious of suspicious activity on your phone, such as unknown apps, unusual data usage, or sudden changes in behavior.
If you suspect your phone is infected with Daam, immediately back up your data (if possible) and then factory reset your device. This will erase all data and settings, so be sure to back up anything important first. You can then reinstall your apps from trusted sources.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to Daam and other dangerous Android malware. Remember, staying vigilant and practicing safe online habits are essential for protecting your data and privacy.
