5 ways to avoid spyware disguised as legit apps - before it's too late

Several government security agencies worldwide are warning people about spyware that's been snooping on mobile phone users' private data. An advisory from the various agencies issued on Wednesday reveals that the spyware variants have been targeting users connected to Taiwanese independence and similar movements. Known as Badbazaar and Moonshine, the two spyware strains have been spoofing legitimate apps in an attempt to trick unsuspecting victims. Also: Why delaying software updates could cost you more than you think The advisory comes from a host of agencies, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre (part of the Australian Signals Directorate), the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (part of the Communications Security Establishment), the German Federal Intelligence Service, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (part of the Government Communications Security Bureau), and the FBI and NSA in the US. The agencies said that the spyware specifically targets individuals connected to areas the Chinese government considers a threat to their authority, ambitions, and reputation. People most at risk include anyone associated with Taiwanese independence, Tibetan rights, Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities from China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, democracy advocates in Hong Kong and elsewhere, and the Falun Gong spiritual movement. Though aimed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), journ...