Did you know that in addition to operating systems and applications, malware is also updated? According to the website Bleeping Computer, the malware known as BRATA has gained new features in its new iteration, including GPS tracking and the ability to perform a factory reset, which erases all traces of the malware attack (along with all data) from the affected device.
A highly dangerous malware is now reportedly making its way to internet banking users in Poland, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, China and South American countries. It is said to have different variants located in different countries and attacking different banks, trying to wreak havoc on different types of customers.
Security experts aren't sure what the point of its new GPS tracking ability is, but they agree that its most dangerous by far is its ability to factory reset a device. These resets occur at specific times, such as after a fraudulent transaction is completed.
BRATA uses a factory reset as a security measure to protect the identity of attackers. But as Bleeping Computer points out, this means victims' data can be wiped "in the blink of an eye." And as he adds, this malware is just one of several androidbanking trojans that try to steal or block the banking data of innocent people.
The best way to defend against malware (and other malicious code) is to avoid sideloading APK files from suspicious sites and always install apps from the Google Play Store.
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