According to a computer security firm, hackers these days are using hidden mobile phone apps , third-party logins, and fake gaming videos as bait to target users
McAfee has identified a wide range of new methods, from backdoors to cryptocurrency mining , that hackers are using to keep their attacks hidden .
As the researchers pointed out, threats posed to users by hidden apps created almost 50% of all malicious activity in 2019.
It was also found that malicious actors are using popular chat apps for gamers and fake videos as bait.
Legitimate apps that contain location information, route maps, and other elements are also targeted by hackers.
Hidden apps – the biggest threat to mobile
As McAfee's research found, hidden apps are the biggest threat facing mobile users.
In addition to accounting for 50% of all malicious activity in 2019, researchers also observed a 30% increase in these attacks.
Hidden apps have seen a surge in recent times as users tend to spend more and more time in front of their mobile screens. So hackers are taking advantage of this habit by using third-party login services or adding ads.
As research shows, each person worldwide is expected to have 15 internet on average by 2030.
The more popular a game is, the more likely it is to be targeted.
Hackers are distributing malicious apps through links to popular gaming and video chat apps, which contain links to fake apps.
Such apps are disguised with icons that resemble those of real apps. However, their purpose is to serve unwanted ads and collect user data
According to researchers, there are fake versions of popular apps like FaceApp, Spotify , and Call of Duty.
Additionally, researchers discovered a malicious mobile program, “LeifAccess” (or Shopper).
The Shopper malware accessed Android to create accounts, download apps, and post reviews, using credentials stolen from the victim's device.
Another malware called MalBus was found in several transit apps in South Korea, which were used to compromise data (such as bus stops, route maps, and schedules for over 5 years) of users’ daily commutes. The apps were integrated with a fake library and a plugin that could extract confidential files.
In conclusion
There is no doubt that hackers are trying in every way to remain invisible while trying to steal personal information from users' devices.
It is therefore of utmost importance that both developers and users take into account the new methods of malicious actors and take the necessary measures to stay safe.
