Malware Is Still Spying On You Even When Your Mobile Is Off

February 20, 2015 – 5:24 AM

Most of us have seen Hollywood movies where hackers trace and spy on mobile devices even though they are switched off. Like most things in spy movies, we disregard it as fiction.

However, recent malware discovered by the AVG mobile security team may change this preconception.

This malware hijacks the shutting down process of your mobile, so when the user turns the power off button to shut down their mobile, it doesn’t really shut down.

After pressing the power button, you will see the real shutdown animation, and the phone appears off. Although the screen is black, it is still on.

While the phone is in this state, the malware can make outgoing calls, take pictures and perform many other tasks without notifying the user.

Source:
http://now.avg.com/malware-is-still-spying-on-you-after-your-mobile-is-off/