Security News > 2023 > November > Cybercrime service bypasses Android security to install malware
A new dropper-as-a-service cybercrime operation named 'SecuriDropper' has emerged, using a method that bypasses the 'Restricted Settings' feature in Android to install malware on devices and obtain access to Accessibility Services.
Restricted Settings is a security feature introduced with Android 13 that prevents side-loaded applications installed from outside Google Play to access powerful features like the Accessibility settings and Notification Listener.
BleepingComputer has confirmed that the security issue is still present in Android 14, and, according to a new ThreatFabric report, SecuriDropper follows the same technique to side-load malware on target devices and give them access to risky sub-systems.
SecuriDropper infects Android devices posing as a legitimate app, most often impersonating a Google app, Android update, video player, security app, or a game, and then installing a second payload, which is some form of malware.
Google Play adds security audit badges for Android VPN apps.
Avast confirms it tagged Google app as malware on Android phones.
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