Electron Bot malware is currently posing as an app in the Microsoft Store. This computer virus can actually take over your Facebook and Google accounts.
An illustration picture taken in London on December 18, 2020 shows the logos of Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft displayed on a mobile phone and a laptop screen. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
Check Point Research, a security firm, first discovered this new malicious campaign. CPR said that it is active in some popular apps, including games.
These include "Subway Surfer," "Temple Run," and other applications.
Security experts at Check Point Research explained that if malicious hackers behind the malware knew that your device was infected, they could easily gain access to your Google and Facebook accounts.
Electron Bot Malware's Severity
According to News 18's latest report, the new malware has already infected more than 5,000 devices. Another thing that makes this alarming is that cybercriminals can use the computer virus to register new accounts.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 2: A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City. The Windows 10 S operating system is geared toward the education market and is Microsoft's answer to Google's Chrome OS.
Also Read: Microsoft Teams Meetings Now Targeted by Hackers to Spread Trojan Malware
Once they gain access to their victims' Facebook accounts, they can like and comment on various posts. CPR explained that Electron Bot malware is currently hiding in Microsoft Store's "Album by Google" application.
Security experts said this computer virus is dynamic and smart, allowing hackers to adjust it when people install an infected app.
But, CPR announced that it had already informed Microsoft regarding the new malware. While waiting for Microsoft's official announcements regarding the new malware, the security agency provided some tips on how you can protect your Google and Facebook accounts.
How To Protect Your FB, Google Accounts?
Beta News provided CPR's suggestions. If you want to prevent the malware from taking over your Facebook and Google accounts, then you need to follow these methods:
- Check if the name of the application is identical to another app or if it is suspicious. If the application's name is misspelled, then there's a high chance it is fake.
- Avoid installing applications that have small reviews or fewer downloads.
- If you accidentally install an unknown app, the best thing you can do is uninstall it. You can do this by visiting your Settings. After that, click the app management and uninstall the unknown application.
In other news, some hackers attacked 500-eCommerce sites. They used credit card skimmers to target their victims. Meanwhile, the new MyloBot malware version demands its victims to pay $2,732 worth of Bitcoin.
For more news updates about malware and other cybersecurity topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: Android Users Beware! New Banking Trojan Xenomorph Spread Malware via Google Play Store
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by: Griffin Davis
