Android users should be wary of the new PhoneSpy spyware, which has already been warned by some security experts that it may steal critical information from its victims. In rare circumstances, malware can also delete security software from a smartphone.
Malware and Android Users
It is worth noting that apps infected with malware have been wreaking havoc on Android users. Some of these malicious programs even make it to Google’s official marketplace, the Play Store.
Meanwhile, in certain cases, the virus may masquerade as a security update in order to deceive Android users into allowing it to steal critical information such as login passwords and bank data.
PhoneSpy Malware for Android
This time, the security firm Zimperium zLabs alerted Android users that approximately 23 rogue apps are now spreading the latest malware on Google’s mobile OS.
However, according to zLabs, the PhoneSpy virus was not identified in any Google Play Store apps. As a result, it appears that it is only available in third-party apps that can be sideloaded on Android.
According to ZDNet, the new spyware in town may be discovered on a variety of seemingly harmless Android apps, including chat apps, photo collection apps, streaming apps, and even wellness programs like yoga instruction.
zLabs also discovered that the malware is being distributed through a phishing scam on a variety of social media platforms and websites.
In some situations, a clone of the popular Korean chat program Kakao Talk could install the PhoneSpy virus on its users’ Android handsets.
How Dangerous Is PhoneSpy Malware?
The security firm went on to warn Android users that the malware might access and steal personal data such as voice recordings, movies, photos, and their GPS location.
In addition, the spyware could access their messages, contact list, and phone log. Furthermore, criminal minds may transmit communications on behalf of the victim.
According to zLabs, the threat actors’ capacity to access their victims’ contact lists, as well as their ability to send text messages, could imply that the hacks are further targeting the victims’ circle.
Furthermore, the spyware might delete any security programs on the victim’s smartphone, removing all means of defense.
How to Avoid PhoneSpy
As previously stated, zLabs has yet to detect PhoneSpy malware on Play Store apps. As a result, users could only install the aforementioned spyware on their Android devices by sideloading seemingly harmless harmful apps.
To avoid PhoneSpy, the best solution is to avoid installing programs from third-party platforms.
Although some viruses can be found in the Google Play Store, PhoneSpy appears to be only available in sideloaded apps.