Smart phone  Beirut - George Shaheen The American University of Beirut (AUB), said in a statement Wednesday, that a team of researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering, have developed a malicious software which attacks smartphones, misappropriates spying units (Yonts) and sends this to the beneficiary, without them being aware of the device or content.
The university explained that the research group developed a  malicious code which is disguised as a programme which can innocently send messages, and then is loaded on the phone to discover the identity of the operating company. It then starts to send instructions to transfer a specific number of units in advance. The malicious code cancels the request for confirmation, which is supposed to send the conversion of the operating company, and so one does not feel that the smart phone units have been stolen.
They pointed out that this malicious software, has proven its ability to exploit customers. Cell companies in Lebanon have noted that the risk extends to outside Lebanon. A recent survey shows, that more than 20 mobile phone operators in 28 countries use a system to convert units for spying. This means that the loss of smart phone subscribers, will thus equate to a loss of millions of dollars. Systems have been unable to comprehensively  protect against the spread of the virus.
The malicious code was found in the online PlayStation Store.
The AUB research group, consisted of teachers Imad Hajj, Ayman al-Qaisi and Ali Shihab, who are currently working on the design of the software to fight the virus and warn of its presence. The research project was funded by the TELUS Corporation in Canada.