View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Cybersecurity
December 19, 2012

Researchers discover new Android phone spam botnet

The threat, known as SpamSoldier, hides in fake messages offering free games

By CBR Staff Writer

Researchers at security company Cloudmark have discovered a new Android phone spam botnet which uses infected handsets to send bulk SMS spam messages without the user’s permission.

The threat, dubbed SpamSoldier, was also detected by Lookout Security earlier this month. The company said that SpamSoldier is primarily spread through SMS messages that advertise free versions of popular paid games like Need for Speed or Angry Birds Space.

Researchers at Cloudmark added that SpamSoldier first appeared on 26 October this year, and was being spread under the guise of antimalware for mobile, which was downloaded from sites on a server in Hong Kong offering free games.

According to researchers, the schemer behind the attack changed its approach in November, with the free games scam which simply attempts to get the botnet to spread.

Researchers found that the malware communicates with the C&C server using HTTP, and a message as well as a list of 50 numbers are returned. It then checks with the C&C server every 65 seconds for more numbers.

Cloudmark security researcher Andrew Conway said that compared with PC botnets this was an unsophisticated attack.

"However, this sort of attack changes the economics of SMS spam, as the spammer no longer has to pay for the messages that are sent if he can use a botnet to cover his costs," Conway said. "Now that we know it can be done, we can expect to see more complex attacks that are harder to take down."

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU