Due to its open source nature, hackers are recently targeting Android devices and App security became a big concern. Freely available source code makes it easy for anyone to have a close look into the core Android system. Recently we can see a big increase in the third
party Apps available for the Android users; but that does come for a price.
Recently, IT Security researchers at the Zhavscaler have identified many fake Apps that are uploaded by hackers and cyber criminals. These Apps are infected with SpyNote RAT (Remote Access Trojan). This Trojan allows the hackers to gain remote administrative control of those devices on which users have installed applications in the APK format. Process of downloading Apps in APK format on Android devices is known as “sideloading”. This is possible only if you allow “Unknown Sources” in the security settings.
These attackers target the popular Apps like “Netflix, Whatsapp, YouTube, Video Downloader, Instagram, AirDroid, WifiHacker, Facebook, SkyTV, Hotstar, Trump Dash and PokemonGo” And create fake Apps. Once installed those Apps may run remotely to your Android device. And these new variants come with capabilities to perform actions including viewing contacts, reading text messages, turning on the microphone of an infected device. It also can be used for gaining access to gallery, recording screen, listening to conversations, send user files to a Command & Control (C&C) set up by cyber criminals and take screenshots.
So be careful about what you are downloading form the third party App Stores. Make sure your installed App is verified and avoid allowing “Unknown Sources” in the security settings (if not extremely necessary!).
………Be Careful, Stay Safe………
