# OmniRAT Takes Over Android Devices Through Social Engineering Tricks **[securityintelligence.com/news/omnirat-takes-over-android-devices-through-social-engineering-tricks/](https://securityintelligence.com/news/omnirat-takes-over-android-devices-through-social-engineering-tricks/)** [Home /](https://securityintelligence.com/) OmniRAT Takes Over Android Devices Through Social Engineering Tricks ----- November 6, 2015 By [Shane Schick 2 min read](https://securityintelligence.com/author/shane-schick/) Remote administration tools can be hugely helpful to the increasingly mobile workforce, but malware analysts say a product called OmniRAT has turned into a highly effective means of stealing data. [The research team at Avast provided details of security incidents involving OmniRAT, which](https://blog.avast.com/2015/11/05/droidjack-isnt-the-only-spying-software-out-there-avast-discovers-that-omnirat-is-currently-being-used-and-spread-by-criminals-to-gain-full-remote-control-of-devices/) is made in Germany and not necessarily intended for cybercriminal activity. In at least one case, however, victims were fooled into thinking the Android Stagefright vulnerability was preventing them from receiving an MMS and they needed to click on a bit.ly link to get it. They would then enter a code based on a malicious SMS that gives cybercriminals control over an Android device. This meant cybercriminals were also able to more easily distribute malware by accessing users’ contact lists. Unfortunately, remote administration tools have a history of being hijacked for nefarious purposes. Before OmniRAT, there was DroidJack, [SecurityWeek pointed out, which was also](https://www.securityweek.com/multi-platform-rat-omnirat-used-hijack-devices) co-opted by India-based cybercriminals to take over Android devices. The malicious use of DroidJack is still under investigation by European law enforcement authorities. What may make OmniRat even more attractive to cybercriminals is its price tag. For a mere $25, they have access to a tool that can be paired with fairly straightforward social engineering techniques to target mobile users. This compares with $210 for DroidJack on the black market, [TechWorm reported. Besides stealing data, the tool could also be used to](http://www.techworm.net/2015/11/omnirat-25-tool-to-hack-into-windows-os-x-and-android-devices.html) probe browser histories and record conversations, so the potential for damage, particularly among smartphone users conducting business remotely, is huge. ----- The misuse of software like OmniRAT has gotten so bad that they ve begun to be called [remote-access Trojans, according to Softpedia. On the other hand, it’s difficult if not](http://news.softpedia.com/news/omnirat-lets-hackers-control-android-phones-windows-mac-and-linux-pcs-495779.shtml) impossible to outlaw remote administration tools entirely because they can also be put to good use. For example, they can be used for testing or as a tool for staff developers. You’re safe from something like OmniRAT if you ignore an [SMS that comes from attackers. If](https://securityintelligence.com/news/sms-sneak-attack-koler-android-ransomware-takes-smartphones-demands-payment/) you’re a CISO or part of an IT security team, it would also help to educate or remind staff to make sure they aren’t too quick to bypass permissions popups that could prevent cybercriminals from taking the next step and controlling their devices. [Android |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/android/) [Android Security |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/android-security/) [Android Vulnerability |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/android-vulnerability/) [Cybercrime |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/cyber-crime/) Data Security | [Malware |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/malware/) [Remote-Access Trojan (RAT) |](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/remote-access-trojan/) [Social Engineering](https://securityintelligence.com/tag/social-engineering/) [Shane Schick](https://securityintelligence.com/author/shane-schick/) Writer & Editor Shane Schick is a contributor for SecurityIntelligence. ----- ### more from ----- [Intelligence & Analytics May 26, 2022](https://securityintelligence.com/category/topics/security-intelligence-analytics/) ## Black Basta Besting Your Network? This post was written with contributions from Chris Caridi and Kat Weinberger. 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This year, a new industry took the infamous top spot: […] [News May 25, 2022](https://securityintelligence.com/category/news/) ## IBM Develops AI-Powered z16 to Help Thwart Quantum Cyberattacks On April 5, IBM unveiled IBM z16, the company’s next-generation system with an integrated [on-chip artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator to deliver latency-optimized inferencing. With](https://securityintelligence.com/news/ibm-z16-quantum-cyber-attacks/) this innovation, clients will be able to analyze real-time transactions at scale. IBM z16 is even more valuable for mission-critical workloads such as credit card, health care and financial transactions. Inference […] ----- [Identity & Access May 24, 2022](https://securityintelligence.com/category/topics/identity-access/) ## Cybersecurity Tips for a Safer Vacation The beauty of having different climates around the world is that there is always somewhere we can travel for leisure all year round. These are times when we tend to relax and let our guard down. The reality, though, is that cyber crime knows no vacation. Attackers are relentless and are always on the lookout […] Analysis and insights from hundreds of the brightest minds in the cybersecurity industry to help you prove compliance, grow business and stop threats. -----