Fake Versions Of Popular Apps Used To Spread Malware On Android

According to Bitdefender, a cybersecurity company, fake versions of popular apps were used to spread malware on Android. Criminals actually spread most of their malware through sideloading.

As most of you lot know, Android allows you to sideload apps, you don't have to install them via the Play Store. That is contrary to Apple, and one of Android'due south biggest strengths, many would say. Well, it turns out that'due south a weakness too, if you're non careful.

Faux apps have been spreading malware, masking themselves as popular applications

The TeaBot and Flubot are the newest trojans, spotted early this year. Bitdefender spotted a batch of new malicious Android applications that impersonate real ones, and they're usually doing that for rather pop apps.

The company found five such apps that were containing the TeaBot trojan, and at least one of them has been installed over 50 million times. Those apps employ false ad blocker apps to spread effectually malware.

Those apps volition enquire your permission to brandish over other apps, prove notifications, and install apps exterior of the Play Store. Once they do that, icons for such apps remain hidden from the app drawer.

TeaBot tin can do some serious damage, so be actress careful. It can "overlay attacks via Android Accessibility Services, intercept messages, perform various keylogging activities, steal Google Hallmark codes, and even take full remote control of Android devices."

On the flip side is Flubot. This malware is spread through SMS spam. Flubot steals banking, contact, SMS, and other types of individual data from infected devices. It tin ship an SMS with content provided by the CnC.

Stick to the Google Play Store when installing apps, or exist extra conscientious

Flubot usually imitates shipping apps like DHL Limited Mobile, Fedex, and Correos. Bitdefender suggests that yous stick to the Play Store when installing apps, in guild to avoid such problems.

If y'all have a look at the image / tabular array beneath, yous'll come across a comparison between simulated and existent apps. Some of the examples include PlutoTV, Kaspersky Antivirus, and VLC.