News Summary

• Security researchers say Chinese authorities are using a new type of malware to extract data from seized phones.
• In a report shared exclusively with TechCrunch, mobile cybersecurity company Lookout detailed the hacking tool called Massistant.
• Massistant, according to Lookout, is Android software used for the forensic extraction of data from mobile phones, meaning the authorities using it need to have physical access to those devices.
• The malware must be planted on an unlocked device, and works in tandem with a hardware tower connected to a desktop computer.