DNS Hijacking Malware targets iPhones, Android and Desktops

While most of the general user base has never heard of DNS and of those that have, only a few of those understand how it works, that has not stopped the hackers from very effectively abusing it against everyone.

Very simply, DNS maps the www.xyz.com names that people use in their browsers into the IP addresses that computers use and if that process can be corrupted, well, then, we have trouble  in River City.

Well, it can be corrupted and it has been corrupted and we do have trouble.  In River City.  And elsewhere.

The malware called Roaming Mantis now works on iPhones, Android Phones and desktops, in addition to Internet routers.

The attacks fool users into installing infected software and from that point, they can pretty much do anything they want.

Information for this post came from Hacker News.

So what should you do to protect yourself?

First, protect your router:

Use a strong password and NOT the default one.

Turn off the feature that allows you to administer your router FROM THE INTERNET, usually called remote administration.

Even though it is super tempting sometimes, do not install apps on your phone or computer that do not come from known reputable sources.

When you go to a site that asks for your credentials, attempt to verify the site.  Look closely at the URL for typos, look for the secure indicator, if your anti-virus software tests web sites, look at those results.  Mostly, just slow down a bit and see if what you are being asked to do seems logical.

Beyond that, you are likely going to need expert help.

by