The most essential part of modern life is the smartphone. Approximately, half or more than half of the population use smartphones all over the world. In a few decades, the demand for smartphones has severely increased along with the threats against its use. For example, mobile botnets/ malwares are very serious problems that smartphones are facing. The problem continues by downloading an application on the device. Android has become the most targeted platform across the world by hackers. Hence, to defend such a problem, you need to understand how they work and the methods used by them for hacking.

Introduction to Android Hacking

The adoption of android as the most common operating system has increased since its release. Android, being an open-source software, allows application developers much better insight into its inner workings. This kind of openness makes it attractive for hackers. The open platform makes it easy to hack into the system to exploit vulnerabilities.

How is Android Hacked?

Hackers use remote addressing tools (RAT) for malicious purposes which includes data theft, extortion, or other malicious activities. When these remote addressing tools are used for unethical purposes, it can compromise the privacy and security of the Android device. The device is safe if it has installed the latest security applications, updating the operating system regularly, and avoiding downloading apps from unknown sources. If such things are not maintained, it becomes vulnerable to attackers.

Android Hacking Tools and Applications

In addition to manual coding, there are many applications available for hacking android systems. The target of such tools are the end users who want to extend the battery life of android device or customize other parts of its operating system to deep system hacks, those used by sophisticated attackers.

 The most popular android hacking tools are listed below:

• Apktool- This tool is used for reverse engineering third party, closed, binary Android applications.
• Dex2jar- This tool is widely available with Android.dex and Java. class files, enabling the conversion of one binary format to another.
• JD-GUI- This is a graphic utility tool that stands alone and displays Java sources from .class files.

Remote Administration Tools for Android Hacking

The remote administration tools for Android hacking are used with social engineering  through various stages. 

First of all, you must select and identify the types of remote administration tools used on Android devices. Thereafter, you must identify the security vulnerabilities in each such tool. The trials of each such tool is conducted by carrying out attacks by exploiting the loopholes found. Here, the techniques of social engineering  are used to trick Android device users for the installation of the remote administration tools unknowingly. Once the tool is installed successfully on the Android device, the data retrieved from the Android device is tested and analyzed. When analyzed and tested, recommendations are made regarding actions that need to be taken to improve the security of the Android devices.

Remote administration tools for Android hacking can be determined by looking for references from various sources, such as underground forums, websites, or blogs on information security. It is necessary to evaluate the tools found in terms of functionality, capability, security and legality of their use. 

Data collection methods regarding such tools can be done using scanning and enumeration techniques on the target system or network. There are special tools for such purposes which include Nmap, hoping, or the Metasploit framework. Tools like Wireshark can also help in  collection of data related to network traffic that occurs when using the remote administration tools on the target.

How Does RAT Work?

Remote administration tools (RAT) are used to send malicious applications embedded with RATs to the target device. When the application is installed on the device, RATs collect personal data such as text messages, phone calls, and browsing history. RATs can also take control of the target device, such as activating the camera or microphone for recording user activity without their knowledge. Users can be victims of RATs attack through unprotected Wi-Fi networks or applications that are vulnerable to attack, such as banking applications.

Social Engineering Techniques

Various social engineering methods of installing RAT applications can be done in several ways, such as creating fake messages or phishing emails, creating fake websites or pages that look like that of original ones. These tactics are used to trick the target into downloading and installing applications, containing malware. 

This involves psychological manipulation of the target by making fraudulent offers or promises, threatening, exploiting curiosity and taking advantage of the target’s trust or ignorance.

Hence, it is very important to be aware and vigilant when obtaining information or downloading applications from unknown sources.

How to Secure Your Android Device from Attackers?

The hacking applications used by most people, may not have ill intent, they can also be used by the attackers to discover and exploit loopholes in security of Android hacking software.

One should be aware of the threats and use a secure software development lifecycle to reduce the risk of exploits.

Threats to Android Devices

1. Data in Transit

Where Android is run as an operating system, it is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and various exploits that hack into unsecured communications over Wi-Fi networks and other wireless communication systems. Attackers often imitate legitimate web services, thus, stealing data or intercept calls and text messages.

2. Untrustworthy App stores

Untrustworthy app stores lack security protocols. You must ensure that your app for Android applications takes adequate security precautions and has a strong security review program in place.

3. SMS Trojans

Malicious apps can often include SMS trojans, which are in the form of compromised applications. This application accesses a device’s calling or text message capabilities, allowing them to do things like send unwanted malicious links to everyone. Attackers use these links to distribute computer worms and other malicious messages to fee-based services, incurring fees on behalf of the user and profiting the scammers.

How Can You Protect Your Android Devices?

• Test Third-Party App security

You can avoid malicious apps by using apps from  the official Google Play store. Google Play uses significantly better security checks than third-party sites. If you need to get an app from a third-party store, check its permissions before installing. Look out for apps for your identity or the ability to send messages to your contacts when they don’t need to.

• Use TLS Encryption

By using Transport Layer Security (TLS), you can encrypt internet traffic of all types for securely generating and exchanging session keys. This protects data against most man-in-the-middle and network spying attacks.

• Use caution when using SMS Payments

Set your Android device to limit the ability of apps to automatically spend your money. Apps that ask for payment via SMS are a red flag and should not be entertained.

Conclusion

As the smartphone users are increasing sharply, a mobile network is the target of most hacker groups. Android devices have more stuff than systems. For this reason, attackers are more focused on these devices. In order to maintain mobile security from the threat of attackers, defenders need to be aware of the methods and techniques used by them such as botnets and malware. 

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