Android: Watch out for SMS Factory, this Trojan can blow your bill!

Android users are regularly the target of many threats. Only in May 2022 there was no shortage of samples. For example, Microsoft has assured that millions of Android smartphones are at the mercy of hackers, which are the fault of numerous security flaws in popular Android apps.

In mid-May, it was Google’s turn to warn users of spyware that can eavesdrop on all conversations. A study conducted in early May showed that few cleaning apps actually collect all your personal data.

Avast warns against SMS Factory

This time we owe the warning of the day to the experts of the famous antivirus software Avast. Researchers have discovered the presence of a substance. Android Trojan Horse especially dangerous. they baptized him SMS Factorydue to its ability to send high rate text messages and make calls to private numbers.

According to Avast, this malware spreads via: malicious ads, push notifications and alerts displayed on sites that offer cheats for games, X content, and even free video streaming sites. The malware hides in an app where users can access the aforementioned content.

Only and once installed on the victim’s smartphone, SMS Factory deletes all traces of its existence (no app icon on home screen and no app name in settings). In fact, it is very complex for the victim to know the source of these additional charges on the phone bill.

Up to 300€ extra on annual bill!

Indeed, malware can increase the amount of your bill up to €6.5 per week or €313 per year! Keep in mind that another version of the circulating malware may scrape your contact list to spread more quickly. According to Avast, this malware is widespread worldwide, with cases listed in Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Ukraine, France and Spain. To protect yourself from SMS Factory, Avast researchers offer a few tips:

• always use official app stores
• IInstall an antivirus on your smartphone
• Avoid downloading advertised apps via short videos and push notifications in your browser
• Disable or limit additional paid SMS with your carrier

Note that this last measure is even more important with children’s smartphones.