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Mobile banking customers in Brazil are once again being targeted with malware that can take over their devices, exfiltrate sensitive data and ultimately perform wire fraud.

This is according to a new report from cybersecurity researchers ThreatFabric, who recently spotted the campaign and wrote a technical analysis as a warning. As per the researchers, threat actors known as DukeEugene were sending out phishing emails, in which they tricked the recipients into downloading a dropper for Android, called Rocinante.

This dropper, usually impersonating banking apps and telecommunications firms such as Itaú Shop, Santander, Bradesco Prime, or Correios Celular, asks for permissions upon installation, including the dreaded Accessibility Service. Generally speaking, Accessibility Service permissions are reserved for system apps only, and if a commercial app asks for them, it’s usually a red flag signaling potential malware.

Abusing Accessibility Services

If the victim grants these permissions, they can expect to lose sensitive data, and give the attackers control over their mobile device, since in many cases the malware can serve fake bank login pages:

"This malware family is capable of performing keylogging using the Accessibility Service, and is also able to steal PII from its victims using phishing screens posing as different banks," ThreatFabric said in its report. "Finally, it can use all this exfiltrated information to perform device takeover (DTO) of the device, by leveraging the accessibility service privileges to achieve full remote access on the infected device."

The stolen data gets exfiltrated to a Telegram bot, the researchers further explained, where it’s served to the attackers in plaintext, ready to be used.

"The bot extracts the useful PII obtained using the bogus login pages posing as the target banks. It then publishes this information, formatted, into a chat that criminals have access to," ThreatFabric said. "The information slightly changes based on which fake login page was used to obtain it, and includes device information such as model and telephone number, CPF number, password, or account number."

Via The Hacker News

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Nokia manufacturer Human Mobile Devices (HMD) may be revisiting the classic Lumia 1020 design for its first quad-camera smartphone, if images shared by GSMArena are anything to go by.

The reportedly leaked images show a slab phone outline with a circular camera island featuring four cutouts, which suggests the image could illustrate HMD’s first quad-camera phone. 

The design is evocative of the Nokia Lumia 1020, considered one of the best camera phones of its time when it launched in 2013. 

(Image credit: HMDNews)

The Lumia 1020 made its mark by shipping with a single 41-megapixel rear camera at a time where phone cameras still lagged significantly behind dedicated point-and-shoot cameras, which gave both Nokia and the now-defunct Windows Phone operating system a welcome profile boost.

For comparison, the contemporaneous iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c were both equipped with an 8MP rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S4 managed 13MP.

HMD will have its work cut out if it wants to outdo current phones to the same degree. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sports a 200MP wide lens alongside four other specialist lenses, and we predict that the iPhone 16 series will all come with 48MP main shooters.

HMD itself packs a 108MP main sensor into the Skyline, its flagship phone, which would be hard to best while sticking to the company’s low prices.

It’s for this reason we tentatively think a new Lumia 1020-style HMD phone will be more of a tribute than a true successor, adopting design cues from the original without quite the same technical ambition.

A leaked outline doesn’t give us enough information to make any solid predictions, though, so HMD may yet surprise us if this design makes it to market.

The phone is also likely to carry a new name more inline with HMD’s current repertoire, as the leaked silhouette features the HMD logo rather than that of the Nokia sub-brand.

HMD was formed in 2016 when Nokia repurchased its mobile phone business from Microsoft, following the sale of said business in 2014.

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Ubigi is a popular eSIM provider and a part of the NTT group offering data plans in more than 200 destinations for travelers and remote workers. Founded in 2018, Ubigi won the MVNO of the Year Awards 2023 and is trusted by leading brands such as BMW. It has, in fact, been integrated by many car manufacturers. 

Ubigi offers various data plans – from 1-day plans to unlimited ones – directly from the Ubigi app, which is available in an impressive 8 languages. It's really affordable, too, which is one of its major advantages.

The eSIM is also pretty easy to set up, and there are a lot of guides and videos on the website that help you with any issues you might have. However, one thing that might upset a few of you is that Ubigi doesn’t offer any voice calls or SMS on its plans, so you’ll have to use the Internet to make calls through apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, etc.

Ubigi: Plans and pricing

Ubigi’s presence in over 200 destinations comes with various validities: one-time, monthly, annual, and unlimited. The one-off plans are available for 1 day, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days. 

The prices are more affordable than competitors like Airalo and aloSim, with the lowest being $2.5 for 500MB data in Japan. Here are some popular Ubigi plans. 

You can purchase a data top-up directly from the Ubigi app. One good thing is that even if you run out of data or Wi-Fi connection, you can still run the Ubigi app to top up. However, it's always recommended to set up an eSIM and purchase a plan before you land at your destination. 

It's also worth noting that Ubigi supports multiple payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit cards, etc.

These are the best eSIM for international travel in 2024.

Ubigi: Features

Let’s now look at some really handy features offered by Ubigi:

5G coverage

Ubigi offers 5G coverage in more than 40 countries currently with benefits like high speed, ultra-connectivity, and low latency. The best part is that you don’t have to pay anything extra to switch to 5G – if your device supports 5G and you’re in a country where Ubigi offers 5G coverage, you can simply switch to a 5G network. 

France, Brazil, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, UAE, and Vietnam are some countries where Ubigi offers 5G connectivity. The list is expanding quickly, and new countries are added every month.

Tethering

Ubigi supports seamless data tethering without any restrictions, allowing you to share your data. So, if you’re a couple visiting a country, you don’t need to get two Ubigi eSIMs – just purchase one eSIM and share your data through tethering. 

Full MVNO

Ubigi is a part of the Transatel brand (which is now a part of the NTT Group) –  Europe’s leading MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) enabler. Ubigi is a full MVNO, which means that it has a full-scale proprietary core network. 

This translates into higher speeds and seamless connectivity for users. This also gives Ubigi a lot of flexibility in its connectivity offering, which can be seen in its diverse plans for various regions.

Ubigi also has partnership agreements with 200 Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) around the world. This means you’ll experience fewer data disconnections and low data latency with Ubigi when compared to other providers. 

Ubigi: Installation

(Image credit: Ubigi)

Installing and activating an Ubigi eSIM is pretty easy and takes only a few minutes. We found a lot of extensive guides and videos on the Ubigi website with step-by-step illustrations on how to activate your eSIM. You have two options to install an Ubigi eSIM: 

• Use the Ubigi app to download your free eSIM profile and then create an account and choose your plan.
• Use the Ubigi website to first purchase a plan and receive a QR code to activate your eSIM profile.

The process is largely the same on both Android and iPhone. However, on Android devices, you’ll need to configure your APN settings. Here’s how:

• Tap on Mobile Networks and then click Access Point Names. 
• Select the eSIM profile from the bottom of the screen and then add a new APN. For Ubigi, the APN settings are: Name: ubigi, APN: mobiledata
• Save when this is done, and ensure your new APN is selected on the Access Points Name page. 

You’ll need to ensure that you still use your primary SIM card for voice calling and SMS purposes since Ubigi is a data-only eSIM provider. But, of course, you can use Ubigi to make VoIP calls through apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and so on. 

If you’re installing Ubigi on your iPhone, we recommend disabling the “Data switching” option. If enabled, your iPhone may automatically switch data usage to your primary SIM, leading to a hefty data roaming bill.

Ubigi app's security credentials are also solid, as there's biometric login enabled, allowing you to quickly login with your OS' Face ID or fingerprint unlock functionality.

Ubigi: Support

(Image credit: Ubigi)

You’ll need to fill out a contact form to get in touch with Ubigi’s customer support. Live chat is also available in English and French, subject to the availability of agents. What's more, even if you don’t find the chat option, you can expect a reply to your query ticket within 24 hours.

In our experience, you won’t need much support from the Ubigi team in the first place, given how easy it is to install and use their eSIMs. Plus, there are hundreds of FAQs and lots of support documents and troubleshooting guides on the website’s ‘Assistance’ page – enough to answer any questions you might have. We also liked that the website is available in 4 languages to accommodate different users.

Ubigi: Final verdict

Ubigi, with its affordable data plans in 200 destinations, high-speed 5G connections, and an easy installation process, is an excellent eSIM for your next trip. It is a full-MVNO provider and a part of the NTT group. This means you get high connection speeds and almost no data disconnections.

Ubigi also allows you to share your data with others through tethering – and if you run out of data or find no Wi-Fi connections, you can still top up your plan using the Ubigi app, available in 8 languages. There are also various plans to choose from one-time (1-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans), monthly, and annual.

However, one downside is that you don’t get voice calls or SMS with Ubigi’s plans. The customer support is also limited to just live chat (that is also if agents are available) and an online form. That said, you won’t need much support from Ubigi in the first place, as there are a lot of extensive help articles on the website that will guide you through any doubts. 

Ubigi: FAQs Can I install Ubigi eSIM using QR code?

Yes, you can install an Ubigi eSIM on your device using a QR code. For this, you’ll need to visit the Ubigi website and purchase a plan. After this, you’ll receive a QR activation code on your email within 15 minutes. Scan the code on the device you want to install the eSIM on and follow the prompts. 

Do I get 5G connectivity with Ubigi?

Yes, Ubigi currently offers 5G connectivity in 35 countries, thanks to its MVNO status and partnerships with mobile networks around the world. You don’t need to pay anything extra to enable 5G on your device. 

If your phone is compatible with 5G and your Ubigi plan offers 5G, you’re good to go. However, 5G connections consume a lot of data, and you may run out of your data limits quickly.

How many plans do Ubigi offer?

Installing and activating an Ubigi eSIM is completely free – there are no activation or set-up charges. You only have to pay for the data plan you need, which starts at $2.50. There are several one-time plans with various validities: 1-day, 7-day, 15-day, and 30-days. Besides this, you can also choose from monthly and annual plans if you’re a frequent traveler.

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LG XBoom XTO2: Two-minute review

The LG XBOOM XO2T is not the company’s first attempt at a stylish portable speaker – the slightly larger XO3C is still available, for instance – but it is, in LG’s own estimation, the best iteration. At least, that is how it was presented to me when LG gave a demonstration on this speaker.

While I can’t confirm how it stacks up against LG’s previous iterations (since those weren't made available to me), I’ve spent plenty of time with the XO2T reviewed here and I have to say that I’m impressed. Is it among the best Bluetooth speakers out there? I think so, though it does depend on your needs.

To start with, there’s plenty of volume on tap that stays surprisingly clear at higher volumes, plus it sounds very good for its size. It might not be audiophile-grade, sonically speaking, but most people will be impressed with the amount of low-end it musters up, not to mention the detail-rich sound. The high-end is ever-so-slightly dull and is the main difference, audio-wise at least, that keeps it from rivalling a truly premium, Bang-and-Olufsen-style product. But it gets close.

Due to its form factor, you’ll miss out on stereo audio, unfortunately, though you can always pair it with a second one for that. But there are plenty of features available, mostly through the app, to make up for it. Also, this is a portable speaker meant to deliver quality audio no matter where you’re located in relation to it. 

Just as striking as its audio performance is the way it looks. Not many portable speakers make me want to upgrade my furniture to something from Ethan Allen or grab a bourbon on the rocks. This one does. It has a sleek, almost teardrop shape, but also mood lighting for an experience you just don’t get from most portable speakers. The only real issue is that its fabric covering does tend to attract hair, so if you have a pet, you might end up with a somewhat fluffier LG XBoom XO2T.

Groovy baby!  (Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Price and release date

• $199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300)
• Launched March 2024

Since the LG XBoom XO2T is a relatively new speaker, having been released in March of 2024, it is not a model you’re going to see a whole lot of offers for – yet. While you can certainly wait to hopefully get a discount, the asking price of $199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300) is really not a bad figure for what you get – although it's true that you can buy myriad rugged, outdoorsy barrel-shaped Bluetooth speaker options for a lot less.

It’s currently only available in one color, unlike the XO3, which is available in black and beige. More importantly, it seems to not be available in Australia at the moment. Whether that will change in the near future remains to be seen since it’s relatively new. However, this review is coming out five months (August 2024) after the speaker’s initial release.

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Specs

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Features

• Customization for both sound and lighting
• Can link with other LG speakers
• Multipoint connectivity

When it comes to features, the LG XBoom XO2T has a good assortment. Just about all the features discussed here are available through the app including the ability to adjust the sound and lighting. As far as adjusting the sound goes, it might seem light at first glance as there’s a Standard, Soundboost for listening to music, and Custom selection available. However, when choosing custom, you can pull up a six band EQ tab with up to 6 dB of boost per band. That’s pretty significant.

There’s actually much more in the way of customization when it comes to the light at the top of the speaker. There are three different types of mood lighting available: Ambient, Nature, and Party, with each type having three presets and a My Pick selection where you can customize the hue and saturation. Plus, the Ambient and Party modes have a Candle Effect and Party Strobe effect to add some movement to the lighting. My particular favorite is the “Comfort of a cozy night” setting under the Ambient selection. You can also adjust the lighting’s brightness.

There are some other features on hand as well, such as the Wireless Party Link mode that lets you use multiple LG speakers at one time. This is where you can pair two XO2Ts together for a stereo experience. There’s also an XBoom Lab selection, where you can play with new features. Currently, there’s a "Healing Therapy" section listed, where you can download and play healing sounds that are pre-paired with specific mood lighting settings. Also worthy of mention is a One Touch Mode that gives you the ability to hold the Lighting button on the speaker for two seconds to bring up a specific playlist and lighting setting. However, it only works with the Apple Music Library or Apple Music (at least on my iPhone). At least multipoint connectivity is available.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Design

• Chic lamp-like design
• Bluetooth-only connectivity
• Good battery life

The LG XBoom XO2T resembles a fancy 1960s lamp more than a portable speaker, and it’s a design choice that I truly appreciate. I’ve tested and used quite a few different Bluetooth speakers and very few inspired me from a design perspective. This one is one of the few.

Of course, it probably resembles a lamp because it is. Sure, you have the bulk of the body covered by a fabric as well as an upward-facing silver grill to emanate audio in all directions. But, it also has an overhang that houses a downward-facing LED light.

The light can get pretty bright, though I wouldn’t use it to replace anything but a nightlight. It’s better for use as mood lighting (which is what it’s advertised as anyway) via the app’s customization mentioned above.

While a lot of the features are available just via the app, the capacitive controls on top are good enough for general usage. The Bluetooth icon is the only one that stays lit, but a quick tap will light up all the available controls including Volume Up, Play / Pause, Volume Down, and Lighting.

The port selection is pretty minimal as there’s no Aux or 3.5mm input, just a USB-C port for charging. The LG XBOOM XO2T is a purely bluetooth experience. Plus, the USB-C port has a covering that’s difficult to pull out, though this is most likely to maintain the speaker’s IP55 rating, making it a little safer to use outside.

A little more impressive is the battery life. It’s rated as offering up to 15 hours of use. While there are some other speakers that offer more, this is not the type of speaker I imagine someone would take on a hike, so 15 hours is more than adequate. In fact, I actually appreciated running it over night for ambient music and a night light and only using 40% of the battery after 8 hours.

• Design score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Sound quality

• Goes nice and loud
• Great performance in the lows and mids
• High-end can come off a tad dull

First things first, this thing can get loud! Though LG doesn’t offer a specific dB rating for the LG XBoom XO2T, I was able to get it up to 90 dB. Pretty impressive for something this size with what appears to be a one-inch tweeter, a three-inch driver and passive radiator handling the sound. On top of that, it stays fairly clear at higher volumes except for loud, aggressive bass sounds.

More importantly, the XO2T sounds very good. Whether I was listening to Kavinsky’s Nightcall, Jidenna’s Long Live the Chief, or The Weeknd’s I Feel It Coming, the low-end is punchy and full. There’s not much in the way of sub-bass, but that’s to be expected.

Often smaller speakers – and I would consider the LG XBOOM XO2T to be in this category – you end up with something where the low-end and high-end (or bass and treble) are boosted while the mids suffer, offering a somewhat hollow sounding listening experience. Or, the mids are a bit too full so that you feel like you’re getting a good listening experience, but the audio isn’t exactly clear. 

Higher quality speakers thread the needle and the LG does so well, as the mids are full but balanced. Voices and guitars (as well as other upper midrange instruments) have body to them without sounding distorted as I experienced with Paramore’s Now and Cocteau Twin’s Heaven or Las Vegas. Another example is Chris Stapleton’s version of Tennessee Whiskey, where I felt the full range of his voice – rich and full without sounding compressed or distorted.

The only place where the sound quality leaves something to be desired is in the high notes. While you can surely boost treble frequencies through the app’s EQ, there’s a slight shortfall in terms of detail here, as if there’s a very thin blanket over the audio. Considering the speaker’s construction – again there’s a 3-inch driver, a one-inch upward firing tweeter and a passive radiator – it’s not a huge surprise.

• Sound quality: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future) LG XBoom XTO2 review: Value

The LG XBOOM XO2T’s price tag of $199.99 / £199.99 (about AU$300) may seem to be in the premium bracket for portable speakers, it’s actually more in the midrange. Offerings from premium brands such as Bose, with the Bose SoundLink Max, will certainly put this speaker’s price tag into perspective, especially when you consider all that the LG XBoom XO2T has to offer.

The Ultimate Ears Everboom, for instance, also delivers 360-degree with plenty of oomph and comes with a nice aesthetic and build. It does have a little more battery life and a slightly better IP67 rating. But it will also set you back $249.99 / £249.99 / AU$349.

The Sonos Roam 2 is another portable speaker in this range with its slightly lower $179 / £179 / AU$299 price tag. While you have access to the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room setup, you could do the same with the LG via the Wireless Party Link feature (more on that later). Plus, the LG XBOOM XO2T has better battery life and at least a more unique look, not to mention that mood lighting.

• Value score: 4/5

(Image credit: LG) Should I buy the LG XBoom XTO2? Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… LG XBoom XTO2 review: Also consider How I tested the LG XBoom XTO2

• Tested for 2 weeks
• Listened to all sorts of genres of music as well as podcast and streaming video
• Predominantly tested using high fidelity streaming through Deezer and Podcast app on an iPhone 13

I spent two weeks testing the LG XBoom XO2T, having listened to all sorts of genres of music through the HiFi tier of the Deezer streaming app as well as watching some YouTube videos and listening to some podcasts through the iOS Podcast app. I also played around with the LG XBOOM app, to test all the features including customizing the lights and audio.

The LG XBoom XO2T, after all is said and done, seems to made for those that don’t want to pay quite the premium prices of Bang & Olufsen or Bose, but still want a quality speaker that looks as good as it sounds.

I’ve spent the last few years reviewing tech gear including audio equipment, where I’ve gotten a feel for what to look for and how to put a piece of kit through its paces to see whether it’s worth the recommendation.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed: September 2024

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