The malware has not got more features and is spreading quickly in various countries across the globe such as China, UK, Spain and others
Across the world, android operating system runs on more than 85 per cent smartphones and systems. This also makes the OS a big target of hackers and cybercriminals. Android OS, unlike Apple’s iOS operating system, is an open source-based OS and it allows users to install third party applications. Though Google warns as well as dissuades users for the same, Google strictly tells users to download apps only from Google Play Store. Downloading apps from third-party app stores can be dangerous and this opportunity can be used by cybercriminals to install dangerous malware into users’ smartphones. BRATA is one such malware that has been in circulation for the past few years. Now, as per a new report by computer security firm Cleafy, the malware has not got more features and is spreading quickly in various countries across the globe such as China, UK, Spain and others.
What is BRATA?
BRATA, a remote access Trojan, can steal your credentials. It is a kind of virus that gets into your smartphone and gathers you’re banking details for fraudsters to use later. Back in 2019, it was first spotted by known cyber-security company Kasperskyas an Android RAT (remote access tool). BRATA was mainly targeting Brazilian users at that time.
Now as per the latest report by Cleafy, the malware has been updated with new features such as GPS tracking and ability to perform factory reset, which means that BRATA can now steal all your details and wipe all the data stored in your smartphone without leaving any traces behind.
How BRATA malware works?
Through an application, the malware can be installed on your Android smartphone. These applications are usually deployed on your smartphone through a primary app that can install a secondary app that hides the malware.
The apps that carry BRATA malware may also slip in Google Play Store, however, there’s no proof of the same so far. The malware, which can use multiple communication channels, captures the login details of the banking apps on your phone and sends it to fraudsters. The details can be later used to make fraudulent transactions or it can be sold to criminals on the dark web.
How to not become a victim of BRATA?
You should not install suspicious third-party applications on your smartphone for staying safe from malwares like BRATA. Before downloading any app, you should make sure it is published by a trusted developer. Links that you receive from anonymous sources should not be clicked.
The second step of security is app permissions. After installing any app, you should check if the app has permissions that can leak your details. Such permissions include access to contacts, passwords, location and many more.
To check the permissions that an app has, you can go to Settings > Apps > App management > the app you want to check permissions of > Permissions.
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