Millions of Android Devices Infected by New Trojan Malware Threat
- The Necro Trojan malware has infected millions of Android devices, including apps from the Google Play Store.
- Security researchers have identified several affected apps, prompting Google to remove malicious versions.
- Users must remain vigilant when downloading apps, as no platform can guarantee complete protection against malware.
Recent security research has uncovered a new Trojan malware named Necro, which has affected millions of Android devices. This malware is particularly concerning as it has infiltrated apps available on the Google Play Store, including one that has been downloaded over 10 million times. The Necro Trojan was previously linked to the popular document scanner CamScanner in 2019, which had over 100 million downloads at that time. Security experts from Kaspersky have identified several applications, such as Wuta Camera and Max Browser, that contain the Necro loader, starting from specific versions of these apps. Google has responded to these findings by stating that all malicious versions of the identified apps were removed from the Play Store before the report was published. Additionally, Google Play Protect, which is enabled by default on Android devices, offers protection against known malware. However, the effectiveness of Play Protect has been questioned, as it has not always been able to eliminate all malware threats. Users are advised to exercise caution when downloading apps, even from trusted sources like the Play Store, as there is no guarantee of complete safety from malware. It is also recommended to avoid granting excessive permissions to apps that could jeopardize personal data. The rise of the Necro Trojan highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Android users, emphasizing the need for robust antivirus protection. In conclusion, the discovery of this malware serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities present in the app ecosystem and the importance of vigilance when downloading applications.