This nasty new Android malware can easily bypass Google Play security — and it’s already been downloaded thousands of times
Hackers managed to sneak malware droppers into the Google Play Store, infecting more than 100,000 people with banking trojans, security researchers have warned.
Cybersecurity experts from Threat Fabric recently warned of five separate campaigns, all targeting users in Europe – namely the UK, Germany, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
All campaigns have one thing in common – they use malware droppers hidden in Android apps that made it into the Google Play Store. These droppers then deploy the Anatsa banking trojan to the victims.
Reaching Top New Free
The researchers identified five malicious apps, mostly utility applications which, on the surface, work as intended. Those include Phone Cleaner – File Explorer, PDF Viewer – File Explorer, PDF Reader – Viewer & Editor, Phone Cleaner: File Explorer, and PDF Reader: File Manager.
In total, at least 130,000 people downloaded these apps, although the researchers claim 200,000 victims is a more likely number.
To look authentic and credible, the unnamed threat actors were aiming to reach the “Top New Free” category on Google Play. They focused on specific geographic regions and dropper apps to achieve this status. The dropper apps also implement a multi-stage infection process and are fully capable of abusing Android’s Accessibility Service to work around the OS’ security measures.
The researchers are warning Android users to be extra careful, even when downloading apps from the Play Store. Even though Google’s mobile app repository is generally considered secure, every once in a while, a malicious app makes it past its defenses. For this particular case, Google already removed all the malicious apps and confirmed it to BleepingComputer in a statement.
There are a couple of things Android users can do to remain secure, including keeping Google Play Protect on, or having an antivirus program installed. Furthermore, they should be wary when installing apps, keeping an eye on the number of downloads, as well as user reviews.
More from TechRadar Pro
Hackers managed to sneak malware droppers into the Google Play Store, infecting more than 100,000 people with banking trojans, security researchers have warned. Cybersecurity experts from Threat Fabric recently warned of five separate campaigns, all targeting users in Europe – namely the UK, Germany, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech…
Recent Posts
- The US moves to stop buying uranium from Russia and start producing it at home
- MacOS devices are being targeted with PyPI backdoor to sneak into corporate networks
- Google builds Gemini right into Android, adding contextual awareness within apps
- Google I/O 2024 live blog: it’s AI time
- Comcast’s StreamSaver bundle will put Netflix, Apple TV Plus and Peacock all under the same roof – and for a ‘vastly reduced price’
Archives
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- December 2011