Terrifying Android ‘spy app’ hides in your phone and records your screen as experts reveal a list of rules to stay safe

CYBERSECURITY experts have discovered a mobile spyware application targeting Android smartphones.

The malware hides on the home screen and operates stealthily in the background, managing to “steal” confidential data and monitor user activity.

The rise of smartphones has also led to an increase in the number of hackers, who in turn create applications designed to steal sensitive data and spy on a user’s daily activity.

Spyware tends to be selective about its victims, typically targeting members of a single company or a particular industry.

The latest mobile spyware discovery, called LianSpy, targets Android smartphones in Russia.

However, its unorthodox approaches to tracking user data can also be applied in other regions, which means all Android users should take note.

LianSpy was discovered in March 2024, although it has been active for much longer, operating in the shadows for at least three years.

Unlike other spyware, LianSpy requires users to perform certain actions to launch and fully integrate with the user’s phone.

When launched, the malware will run a check to see if it has the necessary “permissions” to use overlays, read contacts and access call logs.

Otherwise, the spyware will “ask” the user for permission, disguising itself as a system and financial services application to do this.

Despite its “disguise”, LianSpy is not interested in the user’s banking details.

Instead, it monitors the user’s activity while they use their Android device, intercepting call logs, sending installed applications to its own servers, and recording the user’s screen.

LianSpy hides on the user’s home screen and can stealthily operate in the background using root privileges.

Also known as root access or superuser permissions, root privileges provide Android users with the “highest” level of access to their device.

This allows users to bypass manufacturer restrictions and:

• Replace or modify a device’s operating system
• Install any app, including specialized apps or apps not normally available on Android devices
• Personalize the device, for example by changing the home screen or using ad blockers

When using root privileges, LianSpy can ignore Android status bar notifications, which are used to alert users when the phone is actively using the microphone or camera to record.

LianSpy is Trojan malware, which makes it especially difficult to find.

Also known as a Trojan Horse virus, LianSpy was likely distributed to selected Android devices via “legitimate” files or applications, such as a software update, email attachment, or rogue application.

Spyware isn’t going away anytime soon, with hackers becoming more sophisticated as the technology develops.

However, there are some important steps that users – especially Android smartphone owners – can take to help protect against spyware surveillance.

Downloading apps only from official stores and catalogs is a good start, but spyware can infiltrate even them.

A good rule of thumb is to only download the apps you need and ensure you’re downloading apps from a trusted source, like a legitimate company or brand.

Android users should also only use well-known apps from trusted developers and avoid “alternative” messaging clients like WhatsApp or Signal.

Performing a spyware “scan” every now and then can also be beneficial.

Giving a complete view of your existing apps, permissions, and system preferences can help detect unwanted or unnecessary apps and permissions, allowing users the opportunity to update or delete them as needed.

Users with Android devices should also update their operating systems regularly, as malware cannot always adapt to new security features and bug fixes.

Using spyware detection tools can occasionally be helpful, although some spyware can avoid detection.

Spyware, malware, Trojans, and other viruses cannot be eliminated completely, but there are steps any Android smartphone user can take to help prevent attacks and monitor the security of their own phone.

Even taking a few minutes to take a few extra precautions can help keep Androids, user data, and user activity safe and secure.

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