Switzerland is facing a new wave of SMS attacks
Malware steals Swiss users’ passwords and user IDs The unfortunate ones receive text messages containing a link calling to download the Android application. This is how “FluBot” software steals their data.
The first appearance of the malware predates last June.
Keystone / Alessandro della Valle
The “FluBot” malware has been infiltrating Android laptops in recent days to steal the passwords and identities of Swiss users. The National Center for Cyber Security (NCSC) has received hundreds of notifications.
The NCSC saw 315 malware notifications last week. Operator Salt, contacted by Keystone-ADS, confirms receiving several reports in recent days, but did not want to release any figures.
Users reported text messages with a link to a site such as their mobile operator and invited them to download the Android application, according to its site NCSC on Tuesday.
“Floboot” malware infiltrates device to steal authentication passwords sent by SMS by banking applications. The user does not need to notice it as malware can destroy alert notifications for potential attack.
Removal is almost impossible
The first appearance of flupot in Switzerland dates back to last June: the NCSC has already received several reports about it. Malware lurks on the infected operating system and cannot be completely removed. Once removed, you will need to completely reset the operating system, the center says.
In particular, Salt is trying to counter this malicious SMS by blocking IP addresses. “But unfortunately these change often,” notes spokeswoman Viola Lebel.
To protect against these attacks, the NCSC recommends that you do not install the software from a link received via SMS or in another messaging application.
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