Security News > 2021 > April > Fake Netflix App on Google Play Spreads Malware Via WhatsApp
Malware disguised as a Netflix app, lurking on the Google Play store, spread through WhatsApp messages, researchers have discovered.
According to a Check Point Research analysis released on Wednesday, the malware masqueraded as an app called "FlixOnline," which advertised via WhatsApp messages promising "2 Months of Netflix Premium Free Anywhere in the World for 60 days." But once installed, the malware sets about stealing data and credentials.
"The app turned out to be a fake service that claims to allow users to view Netflix content from around the world on their mobiles," according to the analysis.
The malware was also able to self-propagate, sending messages to users' WhatsApp contacts and groups with links to the fake app.
Over the course of two months that the app was live on Google Play, the malware racked up 500 victims, according to Check Point.
The Joker malware continued to plague Google Play apps.
News URL
https://threatpost.com/netflix-app-google-play-malware-whatsapp/165288/
Related news
- Android malware 'Necro' infects 11 million devices via Google Play (source)
- Malware locks browser in kiosk mode to steal Google credentials (source)
- New Octo Android malware version impersonates NordVPN, Google Chrome (source)
- Fake WalletConnect app on Google Play steals Android users’ crypto (source)
- Fake Trading Apps Target Victims Globally via Apple App Store and Google Play (source)
- ‘Pig butchering’ trading apps found on Google Play, App Store (source)
- Over 200 malicious apps on Google Play downloaded millions of times (source)
- Fake Google Meet conference errors push infostealing malware (source)