Rana Android Malware Updates Allow WhatsApp, Telegram IM Snooping


Researchers have discovered new samples of a previously discovered Android malware, which is believed to be linked to the APT39 Iranian cyberespionage threat group. The new variant comes with new surveillance capabilities – including the ability to snoop on victims’ Skype, Instagram and WhatsApp instant messages.

According to U.S. feds, the developers of this malware are allegedly operating under the guise of a front company, Rana Intelligence Computing Co., which has been linked to APT39 (also known as Chafer, Cadelspy, Remexi, and ITG07), as well as Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). On Sept. 17, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed sanctions on APT39, which has carried out various malware campaigns since 2014, targeting Iranian dissidents, journalists and international companies in the travel sector.

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Source: ThreatPost