We recently revealed on Leak that a new group of rogue Android apps posing as harmless file managers managed to infiltrate the official Google Play app store. It was in this way that they began to infect users with all speed with a banking threat that takes our money: – the Sharkbot. To achieve this feat, applications do not carry the malicious payload upon installation. This is to avoid detection when submitted on the Google Play Store. Several were removed, however, there is one of them with so many installations that Google opened a hunt for the app in the Play Store.
Google opens hunt for another app from the Play Store! delete now
Interestingly, this app is being more successful than the others. All because it has a really credible image and thus raises less suspicion. Not to mention the category in which it falls. The categories of apps that are most commonly attacked are those related to camera and photo apps.
X-File Manager has been downloaded 10,000 times through Google Play. This was before Google removed it.
We need to be very careful!
Sharkbot is dangerous malware that attempts to steal online banking accounts by displaying fake login forms instead of legitimate login prompts from banking applications. When a user enters their bank with one of these false forms, they steal the credentials that end up falling into the hands of criminals.
This application works as advertised and if it weren’t for the alerts nobody would know that something is wrong.
However, once installed on a device, a message quickly appears on the display warning that the application needs a vital update. Instead of this update coming through the official Play Store, owners go to third party websites where the malware is then deposited on the device.
If you think you’ve fallen for the scam, you need to remove the app without delay, as your phone could be infected with Sharkbot and that could mean your bank account is at risk.
However, this dangerous malware is fully capable of stealing banking details, overlaying fake login windows and intercepting data including SMS messages. Once this data is in the hands of criminals, anything can happen. So be very careful with this Play Store app.
What are the signs of infection?
People need to be very attentive to these signs. This can make the difference between massive data and money theft and tremendous peace of mind. This is what you have to watch out for.
Ads appearing constantly, no matter which app you are using
In fact, this is a huge warning sign. Advertising pops up and usually takes up the entire screen or bottom of any app. Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, the bank app or browsing the internet.
Install an application and the icon disappears immediately
These applications have something different from others and that’s why many people think that they haven’t even installed them. When they are being installed, a warning appears saying that there was a problem with the installation. Then the icon disappears. So the person thinks that he is not on the smartphone, but in reality he is. Some of these threats do not steal user data. However, they ruin the use of the smartphone. We are bombarded with advertising that then redirects us to suspicious portals and these may even try to take over our data.
The battery is draining very quickly!
This is one of the biggest signs that something is wrong. If until now everything worked without problems and the battery lasted a long time and then suddenly stopped working, it is a sign that something has changed. Applications running secretly on the smartphone take up resources. As such, these features cause the battery to drain faster. In some cases much faster.
Find apps you don’t recognize on your phone
With so many apps that are being installed, it is normal for something to appear on the smartphone that we do not recognize from time to time. But one thing is an application here and there. Another issue is when new and especially strange apps are always appearing. If you often see unknown apps on your smartphone, don’t be sweet and delete them now.
have locked files
Ransomware locks files on Android smartphones. In case you are infected, it is likely that you can try to access something and you cannot. However, sooner or later you will know. This is because a ransom will be asked.
What can happen to an infected Android smartphone that puts it in danger
In addition to constantly showing advertisements, malware can access private information. What these threats most seek and steal are your bank credentials, device information, phone number, contact list.
