14 DAY TRIAL // Pieces of mobile malware designed to subscribe unwitting individuals to premium services, also known as premium service abusers, are more and more common these days because they can help cybercriminals make a lot of money.
Trend Micro has published an infographic to detail where these malicious apps come from, how they work, and how much damage they can cause.
These pieces of malware are usually hosted on download websites, file storage sites, and redirector pages. They can also be distributed via links included in spam messages.
The websites that host these premium service abusers are designed to check the type of device that the victim is using. Depending on the OS, an app that’s disguised as a game, an update or a popular application is served.
When users are signed up for premium services, they’re charged with an average of $4 (€3) for each text message that’s sent out from the infected device to a premium rate number. In order to remain hidden, the malicious apps are designed to charge victims low amounts on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
To find out more, check out the infographic from Trend Micro.