Android phone users have been issued an important warning over downloading certain apps that could contain invasive viruses.
Thousands are already thought to be at the mercy of malware SharkBot, which is a virus that is able to obtain login and banking credentials, reports the Daily Record. The virus has returned to the Google Play Store via two applications, after dodging intense security measures.
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This is due to the apps only becoming infected by the invasive bug once it has been downloaded onto a phone. The virus previously reared its head in March 2022, and is once again causing Android users issues.
The two apps, Mister Phone Cleaner and Kylhavy Mobile Security have both been found to have been infected with the virus, according to experts at Fox-IT - who made the initial discovery. Google has since banned these applications from being downloaded, but anyone who had previously logged them onto their phones before the discovery need to act fast.
Once installed onto a phone, SharkBot can steal money from mobile bank accounts. The bug can also fake login pages for online services, so hackers can dive in and steal important details - like usernames and passwords.
Speaking about the attack, Fox-IT's Alberto Segura said: "This new version asks the victim to install the malware as a fake update for the antivirus to stay protected against threats. We have found two SharkbotDopper apps active in Google Play Store, with 10K and 50K installs each of them.
"On the 22nd of August 2022, Fox-IT’s Threat Intelligence team found a new Sharkbot sample with version 2.25; communicating with command-and-control servers mentioned previously. This Sharkbot version introduced a new feature to steal session cookies from the victims that logs into their bank account."
Those who are worried are urged to delete the apps from their phone, and check their settings on their phone for any permissions they may have granted the app. It's also worth checking bank accounts for any suspicious activity.
How to delete an app from your Android phone
Follow these instructions:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps and devices. Manage.
- Tap the name of the app that you want to delete.
- Tap Uninstall.
Keep an eye on the Google Play Store for further updates, which can be found here.
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