Have you received strange text messages in the past few months? You're not alone, as this new malware hits our shores.
The new, aptly named, malware 'Flubot' is targeting thousands of phones through text message. Many of these texts will state you've missed a call/voicemail, or you have a lost parcel; all with a suspicious link tagged on the end. Have you received something similar?
This new malware hit Australian shores in August, coming straight from Europe. While we endure lock downs and restrictions from Covid, this new virus, 'Flubot', is looking to infect your phone.
Many people have reported getting strange SMS messages from unknown numbers, claiming they're missed a call or have a voicemail ready to be heard. Other times it can be a message pretending to be from AusPost or Amazon saying you have a missing parcel. All have one thing in common; a strange link on the end asking for you to click it.
Most would recognise these from their junk or spam folders in their email but not usually from their phone. If you did happen to click on the link, it would take you to a website that wants you to download their software to hear the missed call/voicemail. If you agree to install the file, it will infect your phone and potentially gain access to your personal data. Some have come forward to report that it was able to access credit card information, bank account details and passwords.
While cyber crime units have been attempting to track down the originators of this new scam; it is not that simple as many are based overseas. This means for the time being, it is something we have to deal with until our telco companies figure out how to stop these messages coming through.
If you, or anyone you know has downloaded the malware, they should immediately contact their bank and factory reset their phone. You should also seek out help from a professional if you are unsure, as many times it may be a simple phone call to advise you on how to proceed.
In the case for the wider public, the best cure is always going to be prevention and knowledge to avoid getting caught out.
NortonLifeLock did a very good write up regarding this new malware in case you want to learn more about 'Flubot',
check it out by clicking here
