Tech Arabic speakers targeted by malicious WhatsApp hackers By Divsha Bhat November 8, 2023, 8:25 AM Pexels/Keira Burton Arabic-speaking WhatsApp users are falling victim to unknown hackers spreading malware via the WhatsApp messaging software 340,000 attacks in October Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Egypt hit US, UK and Russia also affected Arabic-speaking WhatsApp users are being targeted by unidentified hackers who are distributing spying malware through a modified version of the messaging service. The Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reported that the hackers had launched more than 340,000 attacks in October alone. Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Egypt and Turkey experienced the highest attack rates. The malware has also affected users in the US, UK, Germany and Russia. Why do we click? The psychology behind phishing attacks Cybersecurity firms to gain from growing threat of hacks Halting the march of malicious bots The modified version of WhatsApp offers many enhancements over the standard version, including scheduled messages and customisable options. Kaspersky said in its blog: “The modified WhatsApp client’s manifest file includes suspicious components – a service and a broadcast receiver – not present in the original version. “The receiver initiates a service, launching the spy module when the phone is powered on or charging.” Malicious mode Once activated, the malicious implant sends a message with information about the device it has been downloaded onto to the attackers’ server. This data includes the IMEI, a numeric identifier that networks use to recognise valid devices, the phone number, and the country and network codes. The malware also transmits the victim’s contacts and accounts details every five minutes, and it can set up microphone recordings and exfiltrate files from external storage. The modified version has made its way to users through popular channels on Telegram Messenger, primarily for Arabic and Azeri-speaking users, some of which had nearly two million subscribers. Kaspersky said that the threat emerged in mid-August 2023. Dmitry Kalinin, a security expert at Kaspersky, said: “The spread of malicious mods through popular third-party platforms highlights the importance of using official instant messaging apps. “For robust personal data protection, always download apps from official app stores or official websites.”
Economy Bahrain debt hits $48bn but analyst downplays spending fears Bahrain’s public debt has risen to almost BHD18 billion ($48 billion), according to its ministry of finance, but a banking expert has downplayed concerns over its spending. Bahrain, the smallest country in the GCC bloc of six with a population of almost 1.5 million people, has dwindling reserves of oil and gas. It is partially […] 54 mins ago
Construction Eagle Hills signs contract for Budapest redevelopment Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills has signed a real estate purchase agreement with Hungary to start work on transforming a rundown area of Budapest. The project, spanning an area of 100 hectares, will have a development cost of more than €12 billion ($12.3 billion), the developer said in a statement. The project is supported by the […] 50 mins ago
Finance Kuwait ministries free to increase public service charges Kuwait issued a decree on Sunday that will allow ministries to set charges for public services for the first time in 30 years. The decree, which abolishes a 1995 law, gives ministries authority to decide on fees and costs for public services, which will then be approved by the cabinet. The government aims to better […] 59 mins ago
Economy Lebanon and Sudan swell Arab countries’ public debt Public debt in Arab countries swelled by nearly $142 billion at the end of 2023, mainly because of a sharp rise in obligations by Lebanon and war-battered Sudan. Total debt increased despite a fall in Egypt’s public, mostly domestic, dues as a result of a large depreciation in the pound against the US dollar. The […] 2 hours ago
