A fake antivirus application on Google PlayStore was spotted to have an Android trojan banking malware that might steal sensitive information from the users.
The latest report wrote that the search engine giant has banned this app from the platform. Here's why.
Google Bans Sharkbot-Infested App in Play Store
A fake antivirus app on Google Play Store is spotted to have Sharkbot malware. Here's why you should delete this right now on your Android device.
Although several companies roll out various security practices, it's not yet enough to guarantee the safety and privacy of the users online.
The Google PlayStore, which consists of thousands of apps, including games and software, has recently spotted a suspicious application that contains malware. According to a report by Express, there's bogus software that might harm your Android device.
The article suggested that this application can steal confidential information in your account, including details in your bank account.
Initially, the NCC Group cybersecurity researchers noted that the antivirus Super Cleaner carried a notorious malware dubbed "Sharkbot." According to the experts, this malicious threat could conduct money transfers using the ATS or the Automatic Transfer Systems.
Related Article: 'Banking' Trojan Malware Hits Over 300,000 Android Users | List of Apps to Avoid on Google Play App Store
What Does Sharkbot Malware Do
Based on the article, this threat can switch money between different accounts without the user knowing the situation. Apparently, it acts as stealing malware that could wipe away your bucks from your bank account.
The bug can be initiated through a fake login page that the user would prompt when he/she is logging in. After detecting the activity from the person, the remote hackers can now do their stunt of taking away the money through the user's passwords.
Additionally, the Sharkbot malware can allow remote control of your device. This means that the attacker could gain access to your files, including the text messages and other confidential details.
What's worse about this malware is it can spread even without the involvement of the PlayStore. After it reaches an Android device and infects it, the "Direct reply" feature will now be triggered.
This is dangerous for other people since this feature can easily deceive them into downloading the infected app on the Play Store.
With that, NCC noticed that there were also fake reviews regarding the app. These reviews could fool the users into thinking that the antivirus is credible enough to be used.
"NCC Group, as well as many other researchers noticed a rise in Android malware last year, especially Android banking malware. One of these 'newer' families is an Android banking malware called SharkBot," NCC wrote on its blog.
The Sharkbot is only one of many Android banking trojan malware attacks on the Google Play Store this year.
Last month, Tech Times reported that there was also a surge of the Xenomorph malware on the platform. According to the article, over 50,000 app downloads have been recorded. The said threat infected all of the applications involved here.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
