December 19, 2016 By Douglas Bonderud 2 min read

Mobile malware is quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for entrepreneurial cybercriminals as users leverage smartphones and tablets to store personal information, access banking sites and make online purchases.

As noted by CNBC, for example, the recent Gooligan attack, which is a variant of the older Ghost Push, grabbed Google account details from more than a million users, taking data from Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive. But even as security teams get a handle on Gooligan, another attack, Tordow malware 2.0, is on the rise. This second iteration is based on a banking Trojan, but instead of just login details, the malware is now going after root access for unfettered control of victims’ devices.

Tordow Malware Branches Out

According to Softpedia, the new Tordow, spotted by security firm Comodo in Russia, has the potential to become a worldwide threat. It all starts when cybercriminals grab legitimate apps from the Google Play store, reverse engineer them and add their own malware code.

Next, the apps are uploaded to third-party app sites where they wait for unsuspecting users. Popular apps have been infected, but it’s worth noting that the Play store itself seems to be safe. So long as users don’t download apps from unknown stores or download and install Android application packages (APKs) directly, there’s little chance of compromise.

Once infected, however, the malware goes after root privileges and executes a laundry list of functions, including making phone calls, controlling SMS messages, downloading programs, stealing login credentials, encrypting files, removing security software and manipulating banking data. Financial apps are the primary target here.

While it’s possible to detect Tordow once installed, removing it is no easy feat since it has complete device access. Deleting the source app won’t remove the permissions. Users should consider flashing new firmware as a way to reset and regain control of infected devices.

Fouled Firmware and Fighting Fire?

But even firmware isn’t a rock solid assurance of safety. As noted by Bleeping Computer, 26 low-cost Android devices running MediaTek chipsets are now shipping with malware baked in that not only collects data from users, but also downloads and installs specific apps. These include the H5GameCenter, which prompts users to download other applications and intrusively presents a blue box icon, no matter what users are doing. If deleted, the app is re-installed at a later time.

According to BGR, however, there is some hope for users looking to push back against prolific malware. After having his phone stolen, a film student deliberately put another device at risk but loaded it with persistent malware that allowed him to watch and monitor the criminal’s every move. It’s a successful demo of what high-level security experts have been talking about for years: the need to embrace malicious methods as a way to confound and confuse cybercriminals.

Tordow malware 2.0 is digging deep, looking to compromise Android permissions and steal valuable data. Gooligan is still making the rounds and even firmware isn’t safe. Getting to the root of this problem may demand defenses modeled on cybercriminals’ vicious and unrelenting attacks.

More from

Reducing ransomware recovery costs in education

4 min read - 2024 continued the trend of ransomware attacks in the education sector making headlines. The year opened with Freehold Township School District in New Jersey canceling classes due to a ransomware attack. Students at New Mexico Highlands University missed classes for several days while employees experienced disruption of their paychecks after a ransomware attack. The attack on the Alabama Department of Education served as a reminder that all school systems are vulnerable.Ransomware attacks in education decreasingThe year closes with some positive news…

Will AI threaten the role of human creativity in cyber threat detection?

4 min read - Cybersecurity requires creativity and thinking outside the box. It’s why more organizations are looking at people with soft skills and coming from outside the tech industry to address the cyber skills gap. As the threat landscape becomes more complex and nation-state actors launch innovative cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, there is a need for cybersecurity professionals who can anticipate these attacks and develop creative preventive solutions.Of course, a lot of cybersecurity work is mundane and repetitive — monitoring logs, sniffing out…

Hacking the mind: Why psychology matters to cybersecurity

4 min read - In cybersecurity, too often, the emphasis is placed on advanced technology meant to shield digital infrastructure from external threats. Yet, an equally crucial — and underestimated — factor lies at the heart of all digital interactions: the human mind. Behind every breach is a calculated manipulation, and behind every defense, a strategic response. The psychology of cyber crime, the resilience of security professionals and the behaviors of everyday users combine to form the human element of cybersecurity. Arguably, it's the…

Topic updates

Get email updates and stay ahead of the latest threats to the security landscape, thought leadership and research.
Subscribe today