A series of app hijackings is raising concern among phone users across Australia, as three viruses spread malicious malware with an end of collecting private information and signing users up for premium services, News.com.au report.

The malware has been found to target Android phones, with one strain having been downloaded over three million times due to the open-source operating system, which allows third-party programs to run on it.

How the Malware Hijacks Phones

MalwareFox, a cyber security firm, has provided a list of existing viruses and the apps that contain them. 

GinMaster, discovered in 2011 and now accounts for 6% of all Android malware infections, is on the list. Once inside the device, the malware installs its root shell deep within the device partition to remain undiscovered. It attaches itself to "legitimate" apps users unintentionally install.

Instances of apps containing dangerous malware being downloaded by millions have occurred in the past. For example, in October 2022, McAfee, a computer security software company, warned over 20 million Android users about the presence of malicious hidden files in multiple apps. This malware, known as a clicker, poses a significant threat to users, exposing them to a variety of risks.

More Harmful Malware Discovered

MalwareFox also warns about the Joker Spyware, which collects data from contact lists and text messages and can register the device for premium content without the user's knowledge. It can be found in various apps, including Simple Note Scanner, Universal PDF Scanner, and Private Messenger.

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Another type of malware is the Harly Trojan, which registers users for services that monetize the infection. Fare Gamehub and Box, Hope Camera-Picture Record, Same Launcher and Live Wallpaper, Amazing Wallpaper, Cool Emoji Editor, and Sticker are all places to find it.

How Cybercriminals Spread Malware

Google tells us in a blog post highlighting high-profile cybercriminals caught that some distributors are paid to spread harmful software to unsuspecting users who download and install the malware on their machines, leading to data breaches and other security issues.

According to the tech company, cybercriminals operate like businesses, specializing in a particular function and partnering with other specialists to profit from harm to innocent users. 

The use of paid distributors allows these criminals to spread their malware more broadly, increasing the number of infected machines and, therefore, the potential profit.

Meanwhile, MalwareFox explains that cybercriminals download apps from the Google Play store and manipulate them by adding malicious code. 

The modified versions are then submitted to Google Play with a new name. 

What You Can Do

Once malware is on your computer, it can cause many problems. It can slow down your computer, steal your personal information, install additional malware, use your computer to attack other computers, and more.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from malware. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself, according to Google:

Keep your computer and software updated.

• Use a non-administrator account whenever possible.
• Think twice before clicking links or downloading anything.
• Be careful about opening email attachments or images.
• Do not trust pop-up windows that ask you to download software.
• Limit your file-sharing.
• Use antivirus software.

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