Security News > 2021 > October > Android spyware spreading as antivirus software in Japan
A new variant of the Android info-stealer called FakeCop has been spotted by Japanese security researchers, who warn that the distribution of the malicious APK is picking up pace.
Osumi, Yusuke October 19, 2021 Masked as a popular security tool.
In a new report by cybersecurity firm Cyble, researchers have dubbed the malware 'FakeCop' and state it is masquerading as 'Anshin Security,' a popular antivirus product in Japan.
When users are met with such requests by AV software, they are more likely to grant them because security software commonly needs higher privileges to scan and remove detected threats.
FakeCop actively scans the device app list, and if any antivirus apps are found, it pushes a notification to the user asking them to uninstall them.
The hardcoded AV solutions that malware will prompt users to remove include Anshin Security, McAfee Security, and the Docomo Anshin Scan.