Goontact Malware

Mobile device users need to take the required measures to protect their phones and tablets from malware because threatening software like the Goontact Malware is lurking in the shadows. This newly identified malware family targets both Android and iOS devices and the majority of its victims seem to be located in Asia. Some of the Goontact Malware's core features include:

• Collecting contact lists.
• Gathering phone software and hardware info.
• Hijacking SMS messages.
• Accessing the GPS sensor.
• Collecting media content from the phone.

The authors of the Goontact Malware are employing an interesting technique to propagate threatening malware. It is hosted on 3rd-party application store services, and it is often disguised as a messaging application used by escort services in the region. Judging by the type of data that the Goontact Malware exfiltrates, and the fact that it is being propagated via bogus escort services, it is likely that the criminals might be planning to monetize their campaign via extortion. However, so far, there are no recorded cases of the Goontact Malware being used to blackmail victims.

While the Goontact Malware may not be as threatening as other Android and iOS malware families, it is not a threat to be underestimated, certainly. We advise mobile device users not to underestimate the importance of mobile security – they should invest in a reputable Android/iOS anti-virus tool to keep them safe.