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Recent reports revealed by U.S. security firms that the Chinese government may possibly use the smartphone apps in order to scout pro democracy protestors in Hong Kong.
Lacoon Mobile Security said, “These apps are veiled as tools formed by activists for protests. When you download this app, you might give access to an outsider to access the phone’s address book, call logs and other relevant information.”
According to the insights of Lacoon security firm, the victim identities along with the server details used forced us to believe that Chinese government is behind this attack.
No doubt, China along with the United States and Russia believes to be a leader in the cyber warfare research. China is a key source of hacking attacks planned at foreign governments and the China’s computer companies.
On the other hand, Chinese government has denies involving in cyber spying attacks and claimed that we are amongst the biggest victims of hacking attacks.
According to the Lacoon Security firm, there are two similar ‘malicious fake apps’ that seemed to be related. The targeted phones are especially those which run Apple’s OS; and the other app is developed for phones using Google Inc.’s Android system.
Moreover, the company told that this advanced app, known as mRAT (multidimensional requirements analysis tool) is surely backed by a strong nation. It was calling the software Xsser, Lancoon says.
Furthermore the company told, the Xsser mRAT symbolizes a deep move by nation-state cyber criminals conciliating conventional PC systems to hitting mobile devices.”
Lancoon said that, up till now, such cross- platform attacks are quite rare, which simultaneously target both Apple and Android phones and this is a major sign of the involving the government. This app may be the first spyware for iOS developed by Chinese government so far.
Way back in May, U.S. government have charged 5 Chinese military officers with cyber-spying and pilfering trade secrets from major American companies. Last year, we traced attacks on American and other companies to a military unit in Shanghai, Mandiant (Security Company) told.
Rebecca McGhee
Rebecca McGhee is a valuable contributor for several publications and online platforms. Having graduates with a degree in Computer Science, her interest lies mostly in this area. Yet, she finds any tech-related topic or scientific topic is a challenge worth meeting. She enjoys turning her own research projects in worthy contributions that reach the large public. And mostly, she is grateful for all the feedback she receives from readers, as she believes it aids her in permanently improving her style of writing, beyond the scientific style she is accustomed to.
