ALL Android users have been warned to check their phones for three ‘criminal’ apps which could be hiding a new strain of malware.
This new malware can even hide from antivirus programmes.
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Cybersecurity experts at CloudSEK’s threat intelligence research team rang the alarm on this new form of virus known as Daam.
It is reportedly capable of stealing sensitive data, such as banking information and also deploying nasty ransomware.
Ransomware is a type of virus which stops users from being able to access their own devices – as well as everything that’s stored on it.
It encrypts files and leaves the device essentially useless and the user locked out.
Criminal cyber gangs use this as a ploy to demand ransom from their victim.
It has the ability to record audio from an Android device, without any action from the owner of the phone.
Not only can it also read call logs, but it can record all ongoing calls and steal contacts from the victim’s device.
Even WhatsApp calls – or audio conversations via other messaging apps – aren’t safe.
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This means that if Android owners disclose any sensitive information in those calls – such as banking details – it could be used against them.
The malware is being downloaded accidentally by unsuspecting Android owners when they visit third-party sites, according to researchers.
Which apps should I delete?
Researchers traced the malware to three apps – which they have urged Android owners to delete immediately.
The first is called Psiphon, a VPN app that currently has more than one million downloads from the Google Play store.
If you’re unsure of which other VPN to use, read The Sun’s guide here.
The second is a gaming app called Boulders.
While the third, known as Currency Pro is a currency converter.
From this trio, it’s clear there is no specific theme to the apps that are infected with Daam.
To stay safe, it’s important Android owners make sure they only download apps from legitimate sources.
It’s also helpful to check reviews before downloading anything, and to make sure the phone’s operating and security systems are up to date.
If you’ve sideloaded any apps recently that didn’t come from a certified secure source, you should consider deleting them.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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