That link has almost no technical content. The discussion about "text messages" led me to believe this was another MMS vulnerability, but no. What I believe to be the original source:

https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/security-alert-mazar-bot-ac...

Points out that it's just a worm that points you to an URL with a direct download of an APK, which the user would then have to configure to install manually.

I guess the "not in Russia" bit is mildly amusing.

Suggested title verbiage fix: "Android malware only attacks smartphones ON which language is not set to Russian"

or (more clear): "Android malware only attacks smartphones WHEN language is not set to Russian"

The submitted title ('Android malware only attacks smartphones, which language is not set to Russian') broke HN's rules about editorializing. Cherry-picking a single detail to frame the story for everyone is not allowed, and since the original title was neither misleading nor linkbait, it should have been used here.

If you want to say what you think is important about an article, please do so in a comment. Then your view will be on a level playing field with everyone else's.

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

Let's see:

1. Receive MMS from unknown person

2. Make sure Install Apps from Unknown Sources is turned on

3. Install suspicious app

Android malware is really a non issue that is perpetuated by companies that make Android "security" apps or sites that use FUD to drive traffic.

Nailed it.

This is a de-facto standard among all kinds of malware. In fact, it's more surprising when you see bots where this isn't the case.

Any sources or references on that? That would imply the vast majority of malware does not target devices set to Russian. Why wouldn't malware targeting non-English, non-Simplified Chinese, or even non-Farsi or non-Arabic be common as well?

Russian authorities generally leave you alone as a hacker unless you start hacking Russians.

Because most of the stuff is produced in Russia by Russian residents, why would they want the legal liability?