New Android malware helps Cybercriminals to launch DDOS attacks

The Russian antivirus firm Doctor Web has discovered a new Android Trojan that helps Cyber criminals to launch Distributed-denial-of-service(DDOS) attacks. It is also capable of sending sms based on the command received from the hacker.

According to the report, the malware "Android.DDoS.1.origin" likely spreads via Social engineering attacks and disguises itself as a legitimate application from Google.

After installation, the malware creates an application icon that look like Google Play icon. If a user taps the fake Google play icon, it will still launch the original Google play. But , in background, it starts malicious activity.

Once the malware is launched, it transmits the victim's phone number to cybercriminal and then waits for further SMS instructions.

From now onwards, the Cyber criminal can launch DDOS attack against any server by sending a command message containing the server and port details.  After receiving the instructions, the malware starts to send packets to the specified address. 

The malware reduces the performance of the infected device. The victim will get unexpected bills for accessing Internet and SMS