"Android Malware Threat: Your Data Sent to Foreign Server Without Opening Photos or Texts"

A new version of the XLoader malware, also known as MoqHao, is spreading through SMS text messages with shortened URL links, targeting Android users. The malware disguises permission requests as coming from Google Chrome, asking for access to SMS messages and the ability to run in the background. Once granted, the malware can steal photos, texts, contacts, and hardware information, sending them to a control server. While devices with Google Play Services are protected by default, users are advised to avoid clicking on shortened URLs and sideloading apps to mitigate the risk of malware attacks.