Smartphones
Mobile Banking Trojan Hits 330,000 Android Users via Google AdSense
Kaspersky Lab experts recently discovered a modification of the mobile banking Trojan, Svpeng hiding in Google’s advertising network AdSense. In the space of just two months Svpeng was detected on the Android devices of around 330,000 users, with the rate of infection peaking at 26,000 victims in a day. The attackers, intent on stealing bank card information and personal data such as contacts and call history, were exploiting a bug in Google Chrome for Android. Now that Google has fixed the bug, Kaspersky Lab experts can reveal the full details of the attack.
The first known case of a Svpeng attack occurred in mid-July on an online Russian news outlet. During the attack, the Trojan silently downloaded itself onto the Android devices of the website’s visitors. In unravelling the attack process, Kaspersky Lab researchers found that the campaign started with an infected advert being placed on Google AdSense. The advert displayed “normally” on uninfected webpages, with the Trojan only downloading when the user accessed the page via the Chrome browser on an Android device.
Svpeng disguised itself as an important browser update or popular application, to convince the user to approve the installation. Once the malware was launched it disappeared from the list of installed apps and asked the user to give it device admin rights. This made the malware harder to detect. It appeared that the attackers had found a way to bypass some key security features of Google Chrome for Android.
Normally, when an APK file is downloaded on a mobile device via an external web link, the browser displays a warning that a potentially dangerous object is being downloaded. In this case, fraudsters found a security flaw that allowed APK files to be downloaded without notifying users. On discovering the bug, Kaspersky Lab immediately reported the issue to Google. The patch will be issued in the nearest Google Chrome for Android update.
“The Svpeng case confirms, yet again, the importance of cooperation between companies. We share a common goal to protect users from cyberattack, and it is vital that we work together to achieve this. Users can also help by not downloading applications from untrusted sources and thinking about what permissions they are asked to give and why,” said Nikita Buchka, Malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab.
The Svpeng mobile banking Trojan is designed to steal bank card information. It also collects call history, text and multimedia messages, browser bookmarks and contacts. Svpeng mainly attacks Russian-speaking countries; however it has the potential to spread globally. Due to the specific nature of the malware distribution, millions of webpages globally are at risk, with many of them using AdSense to display adverts.
Gadgets
Huawei to Launch Next-Generation Foldable Smartphone at Dubai Launch Event
Huawei is set to host a highly anticipated launch event in Dubai this December, where the company will unveil several innovative products that promise to redefine the tech landscape. The event marks a pivotal moment for the brand, unveiling groundbreaking products like the HUAWEI Mate X6, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, and HUAWEI nova 13 Series. The new products will set new benchmarks for design, functionality, and user experience in the mobile and audio markets.
As Huawei continues solidifying its position as a leader in the tech industry, this launch will underscore the company’s expanding influence in international markets. Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, the HUAWEI Mate X6, will be unveiled during the Dubai launch. The phone is expected to redefine the future of foldable smartphone technology. It is among the company’s most advanced foldables to date. The Mate X6 is expected to take mobile photography to new heights, building on Huawei’s legacy of pioneering smartphone cameras of the Mate Series.
Besides the Mate X6, Huawei will unveil its next-generation audio products, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4. These earbuds will be the first to feature HUAWEI SOUND, offering an immersive audio experience. They will also include AI-driven noise reduction technology, designed to isolate the wearer’s voice during calls while eliminating environmental noise. This feature significantly enhances call quality, particularly in noisy environments.
Consumers can also look forward to the launch of the HUAWEI nova 13 series, a new midrange smartphone that brings a unique interweaving design and an array of exciting features. The nova 13 series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including enhanced camera capabilities, a performance boost, and more. The new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 will also deliver a paper-like experience, perfect for light office productivity, efficient learning, and everyday tasks.
The Dubai event, scheduled for the 12th of December, will mark the global unveiling of Huawei’s several innovative products. The MEA market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions for technology, and Huawei is committed to strengthening its regional presence. By continuing to introduce groundbreaking products, Huawei is positioning itself to shape the future of mobile technology while reinforcing its role as a global tech powerhouse.
Gadgets
Apple to Retain Titanium Frame for iPhone 17 Pro Series, Says Leaker
According to a recent leak from Weibo user “Instant Digital,” next year’s iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will retain their titanium chassis, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Apple might shift to aluminium for its 2025 lineup. The Information’s Wayne Ma had previously indicated that Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 Pro models could be the first high-end iPhones to feature an aluminium frame since the lineup’s split into Pro and non-Pro models.
Historically, high-end iPhone models used stainless steel frames until the iPhone 15 Pro introduced a titanium chassis, which was touted as a significant upgrade. However, Ma’s report suggested a return to aluminium for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Instant Digital, however, disagrees, stating on Weibo (via machine translation), “Of course, the iPhone 17 Pro will still use titanium. Why would anyone believe it would switch to aluminium? Think about it — it’s just not possible. Looking back at recent iPhone models, Apple has consistently emphasized the premium frame materials of the Pro series as one of its key selling points, from ‘surgical-grade stainless steel’ to ‘titanium.’ If they switched to aluminium, how could they even market it?”
The Weibo leaker’s claims, however, lack verification from supply chain information, and Ma’s report details a significant design change involving an aluminium upper back with a rectangular camera bump made of aluminium instead of traditional 3D glass, while the bottom half would remain glass to support wireless charging. Apple has a history of introducing and then discontinuing breakthrough features in its iPhones. For example, the 3D Touch feature introduced with the iPhone 6s in 2015 was phased out with the iPhone 11 in 2019.
Despite Instant Digital’s mixed accuracy record with Apple rumours, the leaker has made some accurate predictions, such as the Yellow iPhone 14 launch in 2023, the frosted back glass on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the minor refresh for the Apple Watch Series 9, and other notable features. The iPhone 17 series is expected to debut in the fall of 2025, featuring new display sizes, a rumoured ultra-thin model, and ProMotion displays across the lineup. As always, the anticipation for Apple’s latest innovations continues to build.
Gadgets
OnePlus 13 Set for Global Launch This January, Taking on Samsung Galaxy S25
As the new year approaches, tech enthusiasts have much to look forward to, particularly with the upcoming global launch of the OnePlus 13. Having already made its debut in China, OnePlus has officially confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will be available worldwide in January 2025.
The flagship smartphone will come in three colour options: Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Arctic Dawn. Notably, this marks the end of the green colourway, which has been a hallmark of OnePlus flagships in recent years. While it remains uncertain if blue will become the new signature colour, many fans are hopeful.
OnePlus highlights that the Midnight Ocean variant will be the first phone to feature micro-fibre vegan leather, designed to provide a luxurious feel while being resistant to scratches and scuffs. Additionally, the OnePlus 13 will boast IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance on the international market, addressing past criticisms of lacking official IP certifications despite capable designs.
Rumours also hint at the launch of the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus Watch 3 in early 2025. Moreover, leaks suggest that the base model of the OnePlus 13, featuring 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, will only be available in the Black Eclipse colourway. Those interested in the Midnight Ocean or Arctic Dawn options might need to opt for the higher-end variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Meanwhile, Samsung has yet to confirm the launch date for its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series. However, based on previous trends, it is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2025.
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