Beware of this malicious SMS spreading on Android phones

Smartphone users in Singapore have reported receiving strange SMSes that look like this.

Security experts have confirmed that the SMS is being spread by Android phones that have been infected by malware.

According to SingCERT, a Singapore government linked organization that tackles cyberattacks, the malware spreads whenever an unsuspecting Android user presses the link in the SMS.

The phone then prompts them to download an app called Photoviewer, which loads the malware into the phone. The malware would access the phone address book and send out the same text to the user’s contacts.

SingCERT recommends that recepients of the text delete it immediately. Users that’ve installed the app should uninstall it as soon as possible and delete the Android Application Package file from the “downloads” folder, accessible from the browser’s settings page.

All three telcos in Singapore – SingTel, M1, and StarHub – have sounded the alarm on their Facebook pages after users reported receiving the message.

Given how the malware spreads, it won’t be surprising if it has reached Android users in other countries. iOS phones – which are inherently more secure – appear to have been unaffected by this epidemic.

This article has tips on securing your Android phone.

See more: Naive hacker tries to scam a chat app user. Watch this dude’s hilarious response