I was recently contacted by the good people at SMobile Systems, the providers of the only Antivirus/AntiSpyware solution for BlackBerry, about my article regarding malicious code found in a recent Etisalat update.
SMobile Systems have released a solution for the recent spyware-laden update sent to BlackBerry users on the Etisalat network in the United Arab Emirates.
The spyware intercepts emails and drains battery life remarkably fast. According to Chris Eng at Veracode, “the server receiving the initial registration packets (i.e. “Here I am, software is installed!”) got overloaded. Devices kept trying to connect every five seconds to empty the outbound message queue, thereby causing a battery drain. Some people were reporting on official BlackBerry forums that their batteries were being depleted from full charge in as little as half an hour.”
If you are in the UAE and on the Etisalat network, I recommend going to the SMobile Systems site and purchasing their SMobile Security Shield or Anti-Theft and Identity Protection software, which will remove the spyware, as well as any other malicious code on your device. If you have already purchased the product, all you need to do is update your software to be protected.
We are living in an age where our smartphones are becoming our personal computers, and therefore the focus of those who want to exploit our personal data in any way they can. Dan Hoffman, CTO of SMobile Systems said it best, “The truth about smartphones is that they are used in the same manner as personal computers and are susceptible to the same threats. It has become clear that smartphone users need to proactively ensure their devices contain the necessary security software to protect not only their e-mail and messaging data, but also to protect their identity and the integrity of their mobile financial transactions.”
Security Shield for BlackBerry is available for $35.41 CAD.
Anti-Theft and Identity Protection is available for $29.99 per year.
But you shoulD be able to trust your carrier to not be the one infecting you.
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SMobile Systems release solution for Etisalat BlackBerry spyware | BlackBerry Cool http://bit.ly/yiRJR (via @BlackBerryCool)
I’ve released a free tool that helps you reveal the Etisalat BB spyware. Once its revealed, you can uninstall it yourself. If you need more info, please visit: http://bit.ly/info/YNFsP
There is only one way to really solve this problem – and that is to reformat (i.e. wipe) your blackberry, and re-install the Operating System. There really is no other solution, as shared by many who were affected by the patch (obviously, more than 300 users).
Information on how to safely wipe and re-instate your BlackBerry can be found on http://www.berryuae.com. Always backup your device before wiping it. Good luck!
Anyone successfully installed the prod code for Smobile with Etisalat BB 9000? I keep getting Update failed. Please check settings…
Smobile has thus far been unable to get it to work.
I figured out the solution. Go to TCP settings and enter:
etisalat.ae
user= (blank)
password= (blank)
worked great.
RIM have released a removal tool for this spyware. Just search for Etisalat Registration Remover.