- Prosperous malware and Tospy Signal Spoof and Totok software camp
- Malware exfiltrates SMS, contacts, files and disguises in Google Play services
- Applications propagate via third -party stores; Users have asked to stick to official application sources
Android users with the United Arab Emirates and in the wider region are targeted by two malicious campaigns that usurp known chat applications, Signal and Totok, to distribute malicious software.
ESET’s security researchers said they started to follow the prosperous campaigns and in Tospy in June 2025, but believe that they could have started in 2024.
The attackers created false encryption plugins of nonexistent signals and a professional version of the Totok application, to encourage users to download and execute malware. Those who do not spot the trick will eventually lose sensitive information, because the campaign is held from data exfiltration.
How to stay safe
Once installed, malware requires access to SMS messages, files and contact lists, which it then exfiltrates, as well as device information, backup files and a list of other installed applications.
The signal encryption plugin is also renowned to “play services” during installation and modify its icon, to avoid being detected and deleted. In addition, the tapping of the icon reveals the information screen of a legitimate Google Play service application.
Since these applications are distributed via third -party application stores and personalized websites, the best way to stay safe is to download only applications from renowned sources such as the official Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
The signal is a popular and legitimate cat application first with around 70 million users worldwide. Totok, on the other hand, has a more controversial story. The application was developed by a water company called G42, in 2019. It offered free voice and video calls, positioning itself as an alternative to services like WhatsApp and Skype, which were limited to water.
However, Totok was then removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store after surveys suggested that it was used as a tool for surveillance by the water government, but it remains popular in the region.
Via Bleeping Compompute
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