This Squid Game app can put malware in your Android cellphone. What you could do

Netflix sequence Squid Game has develop into the newest scorching development in popular culture round world, inspiring nail paint artwork to Halloween costumes and even smartphone apps. However, cybercriminals have discovered methods to use the curiosity across the world phenomenon to focus on unsuspecting people. Google’s Play Store just lately eliminated an app for Squid Game wallpapers after a cybersecurity agency flagged that it was getting used to unfold malware.

Cybersecurity researcher Lukas Stefanko, who research malware at safety agency ESET, found that the app ‘Squid Wallpaper 4K HD’ was getting used to contaminate Android telephones with the infamous Joker malware.

While the Joker malware has been round for a while, and has even been noticed on Google Play Store earlier, that is the primary occasion of a Squid Game-based app getting used to unfold it.

As per Stefanko’s publish, the app had been put in greater than 5,000 occasions earlier than it was recognized and brought down. The app might obtain and execute native libraries and even execute APK payloads, the safety researcher famous in his publish. This may very well be used to put in the Joker malware on gadgets.

Stefanko warned that the flagged app allowed hackers to hold out “malicious ad-fraud and/or undesirable SMS subscription actions”. This means contaminated gadgets will be bombarded with undesirable commercials by means of textual content messages. Cybercriminals might additionally enroll affected customers for some premium companies, which may price them some huge cash.

While the app has been faraway from the Play Store, customers who had put in the app on their machine proceed to be in danger. They should uninstall the app instantly to take away the specter of being focused.

Stefanko famous that there are greater than 200 apps primarily based on Squid Game accessible on Google Play. The most downloaded out of those apps reached a million downloads inside 10 days.

“Seems like an important alternative to generate income on in-app advertisements from one of the crucial well-liked TV present with out official sport,” he said.

Considering how cybercriminals can use such alternatives to trick folks into giving entry to their gadgets, customers have to be very cautious whereas putting in functions on their gadgets. Make certain that the apps you obtain come from official or authorised sources. Never obtain apps from unauthorised sources or app shops to maintain your gadgets protected.

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