Security News > 2021 > April > Android malware infects wannabe Netflix thieves via WhatsApp
Newly discovered Android malware found on Google's Play Store disguised as a Netflix tool is designed to auto-spread to other devices using WhatsApp auto-replies to incoming messages.
Researchers at Check Point Research discovered this new malware disguised as an app named FlixOnline and trying to lure potential victims with promises of free access to Netflix content.
Once the app is installed on an Android device from the Google Play Store, the malware starts a service that requests overlay, battery optimization ignore, and notification permissions.
This wormable Android malware "Highlights that users should be wary of download links or attachments that they receive via WhatsApp or other messaging apps, even when they appear to come from trusted contacts or messaging groups," Check Point concluded.
"Although CPR helped stop this one malware campaign, we suspect the malware family identified is here to stay, as it may return in different apps on the Play Store."
Another Android malware disguised as a System Update discovered by Zimperium researchers on third-party Android app stores provided threat actors with spyware capabilities designed to automatically trigger whenever new info is ready for exfiltration.
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