Security researchers have found a nasty Trojan in a large number of apps from the Google Play Store. The virus not only ensures that your data is no longer secure, but you lose cash. The research team is now talking about damage that could run into the hundreds of millions.
Do you have time for a spooky scary story? Okay, here’s how it works: The Google Play Store, with over 2 million apps, is the go-to place for most Android owners: inside. However, it happens again and again that such apps are infected with a virus. Even if you are sure when downloading that the app does not contain any viruses, this does not necessarily have to be the case. The security team of simperium has now found a new Trojan in numerous apps and given it the nice name “Dark Herring”.
Dark Herring is a virus that has appeared on the Google Play Store many times before. The host apps make a serious impression and the requested rights do not indicate a virus. This loads the app onto the smartphone and a process is already underway that is not so easy to stop.
Your IP address will be transmitted to a server and you will be forwarded to a website. The language of this page is adapted to the device and you have to enter your cell phone number for verification. Once you’ve done that, 15 euros will be added to your next phone bill. The Trojan simply registers you with premium services.
Immense damage and more than 70 countries affected
The problem is that the network providers usually show no mercy and you still have to pay the money. This resulted in damage that, according to Zimperium estimates, is already in the hundreds of millions. 470 apps distributed in over 70 countries are infected. Germany, Austria and Switzerland are also affected. These are also apps that have been widely distributed. The cyber criminals have diversified the portfolio so that apps from all categories can be found.
The 470 apps are widely distributed! / © Zimperium
You can read in a table whether such an app is on your smartphone. All infected apps were listed on Github.com. It is best to delete them from your smartphone as soon as possible. The Play Store has now also reacted and removed all the apps in question from the app store, but this does not protect you if you have such an app on your smartphone. I hope the scary story wasn’t too scary – but watch out for the Dark Herring!
What do you think of the virus? Have you ever had a Trojan like Dark Herring or the Joker on your smartphone? Let us know in the comments!