Google has finally removed the app “SmeshApp” from Play Store after this app was confirmed to be the malware. According to an investigation by CNN-IBN, SmeshApp was a spyware app, and it was being used by Pakistani intelligence to monitor the movement of Indian troops.
This app claims to be a free video calling and voice calling app. But it was reported to be used by Pakistani handlers to access the troop movement after the terror attack on the IAF base in Pathankot in January 2016.
Not just smartphones, this app also infected personal computers of soldiers to get more confidential data. Once installed, this app used to steal stored information, tracking all movements, phone calls, messages and photographs. The stolen information was transferred to a server located in Germany.
Soldiers are lured through fake Facebook accounts set by ISI. Around ten fake Facebook profiles were identified and the dozen of military personnel was in touch with these Pakistani handlers.
This spyware was targeting all branches of Indian Armed forces including BSF and CISF.