'FluBot' phone warning to public

Gardaí have issued a warning in relation to spyware software called 'FluBot', a malicious software targeting users of Android phones in Ireland.

The hack software can potentially allow criminals to steal passwords, financial and personal information from mobile devices and came to public consciousness last week when people started receiving text messages containing a link to access details of a missed package delivery.

“When the link is clicked, the victim is then directed to a fake website replicating the legitimate delivery company’s site,” gardaí explain.

“The victim will then be asked to download two files, which are banking Trojans, containing malicious code. Users will then be prompted to manually override and allow an untrusted app to download onto their phone.”

Advice has been given to those who have clicked on and installed the app. They are advised to perform a factory reset on the device and reset any passwords. “If you use the same passwords on other accounts, you are advised to change those also.”

They say too that when restoring backups, “do not restore from any backups created after you installed the malicious app, as these will be infected.”