Report: Facebook app spreads Android malware
Cybercriminals may be trying to spread malware targeting Google's Android OS this time via social networking site Facebook.
A report on The Hacker News cited a Sophos report indicating the malware disguises itself as an Android app named “any_name.apk” or “allnew.apk.”
It said the malware is sent to Android phones via Facebook’s mobile app, with an Android user receiving a Facebook friend request.
Should the user go to the requester’s profile to check them out, they could be diverted to another web page instead, and the malicious app will be automatically downloaded, it said.
The Hacker News said that while Android does not allow the automatic downloading of apps by default, some users choose to turn off this protection.
It also noted that while Google earlier introduced the "Bouncer" program to protect Android users, "spammers and scammers can always find another way in." — LBG, GMA News
A report on The Hacker News cited a Sophos report indicating the malware disguises itself as an Android app named “any_name.apk” or “allnew.apk.”
It said the malware is sent to Android phones via Facebook’s mobile app, with an Android user receiving a Facebook friend request.
Should the user go to the requester’s profile to check them out, they could be diverted to another web page instead, and the malicious app will be automatically downloaded, it said.
The Hacker News said that while Android does not allow the automatic downloading of apps by default, some users choose to turn off this protection.
It also noted that while Google earlier introduced the "Bouncer" program to protect Android users, "spammers and scammers can always find another way in." — LBG, GMA News
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