San Francisco based security firm Lookout has discovered that a spyware named SonicSpy is being spread through 4000 apps via Google Play store since February. The study further adds that two other versions of spying software of similar sort are existing on Playstore. But details on how they are being spread and their malicious characteristics are yet to be probed.
Experts say that SonicSpy was created by its developer after modifying an official version of Telegram app with spyware code, rebranding it and then uploading it as a modified app to Playstore.
Lookout researchers estimate that the modified version which has spyware infection was downloaded more than 5000 times before Google identified its work functions and pulled it down.
Security experts say that the same spying software was uploaded three times onto the app store under than names Soniac, Hulk Messenger, and Troy Chat.
At the time of this writing, Lookout confirmed that Google has scrapped down all the above-said spying apps from its playstore.
Note- SonicSpy happens to be a spin off an older android spyware called SpyNote. The app was developed by an Iraqi developer and has the ability to surreptitiously record audio, take phone calls, make calls, send text messages and retrieve logs along with calls data, contacts, photos and info about Wi-Fi access points.
Lookout identified the spyware in June this year and reported it to Google in early August. The researchers from the said security firm also confirm that the spyware allows its developers make VOIP calls from infected phones making it a communication paradise for terrorists.
