Read Me Mobile Malware and High Risk Apps Reach 2M Mark, Go for “Firsts”

Just six months after mobile malware and high risk apps reached the one million mark, we have learned that that number has now doubled. This milestone comes at the heels of the “tenth anniversary” of mobile malware. 2004 saw the first mobile malware—a proof-of-concept (PoC) malware named SYMBOS_CABIR—which infected Nokia phones. But it wasn’t until during the start of the smartphone era that mobile malware exploded onto the threat landscape. From relatively harmless pop-up messages, mobile malware has since evolved to include premium service abuse, information theft, backdoors, and even rootkits.

And the threats continue to evolve. After hitting the 1M mark, we are now seeing mobile malware veer into pioneer territory. These malware could very well be the bellwether for the kinds of malware we’ll be seeing in the following months.

Anonymity with TORBOT
The Onion Router (more commonly known as TOR) is known as one way for users to become “anonymous” online. It’s also known for its connection to underground markets. Cybercriminals are now using TOR to hide their malicious mobile routines. ANDROIDOS_TORBOT.A is the first mobile malware to use TOR to connect to a remote server. Once connected, it performs routines like make phone calls, intercept and read text messages, and send text messages to a specific number. The use of the TOR network makes it more difficult to track down the activity and trace the C&C server.

More details plus screenshot: http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlab...d-high-risk-apps-reach-2m-mark-go-for-firsts/