The recent virus attack on Android smartphones makes it possible for hackers to remotely control your device and access all your data.
Hook, a new malware created by the same hackers who created the Android banking viruses BlackRock and ERMAC, opens new avenues for remote interaction and access to files saved on the device.
Remember that BlackRock made it possible to steal your money and passwords for all your banking applications, while ERMAC could target cryptocurrency wallets by stealing victims’ contact information and bank IDs. Because fake apps from Google Play Store were being used to spread the infection. Hundreds of thousands of smartphones were affected.
Hackers control your smartphone remotely
What makes this new malware unique is the way hackers choose to use it. It offers all the features of its predecessors on which it is built. and will be offered to rent for a little over $5,000 per month.
However, its primary capability is the ability to seize control of victims’ devices. Additionally, it expands its capabilities with remote access capabilities by connecting to Octo and Hydra, which can perform full device acquisition (DTO) and everything in between, from PII exfiltration to transactions, without the need for additional channels. A complete fraud with steps could end the chain. , according to Dutch cyber security firm ThreatFabric.
A “file manager” command turns the virus into a file manager. Enabling hackers to download specific files of their choice and gain a list of everything stored on the device. Another command hook for the popular instant messaging program WhatsApp allows all chats to be protected. And even allows hackers to send messages using the victim’s account.
This malware is available in the global market unlike other malware. In the US, Australia, Poland, Canada, Turkey, UK, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, Hooke is focusing on banking apps.
Delete these 34 dangerous malware apps from your mobile
Google Play Store has been the target of fresh malware. It doesn’t appear that the security measures of the official Android and Chrome OS app stores have been able to prevent a total of 34 apps, all of which appear to be safe, from entering their catalog and include some of the most dangerous trojans in recent history. Including the now famous “Joker”.
The issue was uncovered by specialized security experts from SecneurX. He listed one by one each of the applications infected with various viruses targeting Android.
Next, we’ll check every harmful app that has escaped Google Play Protect’s safeguards and been accepted for publication in the Google Play store, along with the number of downloads. They include some apps that are infected with the infamous Joker malware. As well as other Trojans such as Autolycos or Harly.
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- logo design maker – Joker – +1000
- funny emoji keyboard – Joker – +10000
- animal doodle drawing – Joker – +5000
- paper paint – Autolycos – +10000
- dexterity qr scanner – Joker – +500
- heart rate monitor – Joker – +500
- fun paint and color – Harley – +10000
- beauty christmas song – Joker – +1000
- epica gamebox and hub – Harley – +10000
- magic face ai – Joker – +1000
- love stickers – Joker – +1000
- hd screen mirroring – Joker – +0
- phone to tv – Joker – +1
- photo voice translator – Joker – +1000
- effects voice changer – Joker – +0
- quick pdf scanner – Joker – +0
- easy voice change – Joker – +0
- fast language translator – Joker – +500
- perfect face swap – Joker – +5000
- effect photo editor – Joker – +1000
- super emoji editor and stickers – Harley – +10000
- blue voice changer – Harley – +10000
- cool screen mirroring – Joker – +10000
- phone cleaner lite – Joker – +5000
- Digital Clock – Always on Display – Autolycos – +100
- Live Wallpapers – HD 3D/4D – Autolycos – +500
- Grapes Camera & Photo Editor – Harley – +5000
- blood glucose recorder – Joker – +100
- Clever Clean – Batter Saver – Harley – +500
- Album Live Wallpapers & Themes – Harley – +1000
- shortcut screen mirroring – Joker – +5000
- mind message – Joker – +1000
- advanced cast screen – Joker – +500
- color painting – Joker – +1000
So, except for the recently discovered apps, practically all the apps were already removed from the Google Play store at the time this article was published. SecneurX has already notified Google to initiate the removal process.
Plus, you can see how each app in this campaign pretends to be a legitimate, helpful app. However, they hide harmful software that can cost the user money by enrolling them in premium services. Obtaining private keys and stealing sensitive data.
Due to all these factors, we recommend that if any application is already available on the device, you should remove it immediately.
malware threats
Malware can pose a variety of threats, including:
- Data Theft: Malware can steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information.
- System damage: Malware can damage or delete files, slow down or crash an infected device or network.
- Network disruption: Malware can spread to other devices on the network, causing widespread disruption.
- Ransomware: Malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.
- Financial loss: The malware can empty bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or transfer funds from a victim’s account.
- Privacy invasion: The malware can track a victim’s activity, take screenshots, record keystrokes, or use the victim’s camera and microphone.
- Botnets: Malware that turns devices into “zombies”. It can be used to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on other websites or networks.
- Identity Theft: Malware can steal the personal information used to steal the identity of the victim.
It is important to always be vigilant and take precautions to protect yourself from malware. In addition, we recommend that you keep your software up to date and use reputable antivirus software. Also, don’t get apps from the Google Play Store that you’re not sure about. Also, stay away from APK files as much as possible.
