Security company Kaspersky Lab is warning users after detecting a series of malicious mobile apps that mimic its products.
The company said that unknown malicious app creators have been creating products that claim to be from Kaspersky and selling them, but instead infect devices or simply fail to do what they promise once purchased and installed.
According to Kaspersky, one of the apps was sold through the Windows Phone Store, under the name Kaspersky Mobile. The second fake Kaspersky product was found on the Google Play store, under the name Kaspersky Anti – Virus 2014.
In fact, Kaspersky makes a product for mobile devices, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, which is sold on its own or as part of the Internet Security Multi-Device package. The company does not offer any product for Windows Phone.
While fake anti-malware apps have long threatened PC users, the tactic has recently spread to mobile. Earlier this year, a fake security app known as Virus Shield fooled so many users that for a time it was the most popular app on Google Play.
The company advises users who have installed either of the malware apps to delete them immediately and contact the relevant store for a refund. Both apps have been removed.
