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eScan has warned users of an Android worm that spreads through text messages. A virus known as “Andr/SlfMite-A” has been recently discovered that is spreading throughout the Android world through text messages (SMS). People are not really suspicious of text messages that they receive from known numbers and the virus is apparently playing with this trust.
Andr/SlfMite-A virus sends SMSes, which includes a malicious link. If unknowingly one clicks on the embedded link within the SMS, then the virus easily get installed on the phone. Once the virus is downloaded, it secretly sends text messages with malicious link to the first 20 contacts from the contact list.
Surprisingly, Andr/SlfMite-A also shows up on Windows systems. When this malware gets downloaded onto the computer, it alters the browser settings, so that when one enters a search term, it automatically redirects to a malicious websites. It also makes changes in the registry and system files so that it can remain undetected.
eScan suggests a few tips that can keep one safe from such self-replicating "worms".
Always have antivirus software installed on Android Smartphone.
Never download any application in Android from an untrusted source. It is recommended that users should only download apps from Google Play.
Always be cautious about opening any suspicious looking SMS web-links. It is advisable to never click on links sent through SMS.
If one receives a mysterious SMS from one of the contacts, call them up and confirm about it.
It is better to delete any suspicious looking messages immediately.
