New Android Malware XLoader: A Sneaky Threat Targeting Your Photos and Texts

Android users beware! A new malware strain, XLoader, has been making the rounds, targeting your precious memories and messages on your Android device. This malicious software can take your photos, text messages, contact lists, and even sensitive hardware details without you even opening the malicious link or downloading an APK file.

Malware, in simple terms, is any software designed to disrupt the intended target system. With malware, the attacker can gain access to your data, leak sensitive information, block you out, and take control of other aspects of your privacy and security.

XLoader, also known as MoqHao, has been around since 2015, targeting Android users in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Once it’s on your device, it can run in the background, silently taking your sensitive data.

The most common way malware gets onto your device is through phishing scams. However, XLoader has gotten clever. It often spreads through smishing, a unique type of phishing scam where you receive a text from an unknown sender. Scammers are aware that most people don’t click on texts from people they don’t know. So, they target you by gaining access to a phone number that has your number in their contacts.

Once it gets past this step, XLoader can get onto your Android device in two ways:

1. You click on the link which leads to downloading the APK file: The unsuspecting victim would see a link in the text message. The link may look less suspicious than typical malware links because they are typically shortened and look less spammy and more legitimate. If you click on this link, it will direct you to download an Android APK file, which are files used to sideload apps outside the official Google Play Store. This method bypasses Google’s security measures and increases the risk of malware infections.

2. You launch the app yourself, but fall for a Google Chrome decoy: If you decide you want to launch the app directly on your own, XLoader is already there waiting for you by impersonating Google Chrome. When you click “launch,” the XLoader malware displays a very familiar-looking Chrome pop-up that will first ask you to grant it permissions by clicking “allow” or “deny.” If you click “Allow,” you’ll be unknowingly giving it access to your SMS.

To protect yourself from XLoader and other malware attempts, follow these steps:

1. Avoid sideloading apps and shortened URLs: Refrain from sideloading apps (installing apps from unofficial sources) and clicking on shortened URLs in messages, as these are common vectors for malware distribution.

2. Be careful granting permissions: Exercise caution when granting permissions to apps. The question is whether an app truly needs access to certain device functions or data.

3. Limit the apps you have on your phone: Having a lot of apps on your phone can make it easy for you to be exposed to malware. These apps can let in malicious code over time, and the more apps you have to keep track of and update, the more likely your Android will be vulnerable.

4. Only download reputable apps: When you download apps, make sure they are from reliable and legitimate developers. Check reviews and do some research before just hitting “install.”

5. Don’t neglect software updates: Your phone has a way of keeping itself safe with software and security updates. Don’t forget to do them.

6. Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best way to protect yourself from malware like XLoader is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information.

In conclusion, malware is inevitable, and as we become more educated about how to prevent these threats, the hackers creating them are always working on ways to outsmart us. This new strain of XLoader is just one example of that. And, while it’s currently focused on targeting Android users, it’ll likely be just a matter of time before it begins targeting Macs and other devices. The best way to protect yourself is to stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and ensure your devices have good antivirus protection. Additionally, continue best practices for protecting yourself from suspicious links and downloads.

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact me at CyberGuy.com/Contact. For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear, and gadgets. His contributions for Fox News & FOX Business begin mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea, or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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