Alert Android Users: Safeguard Your Data from Malicious App – Here’s How

According to ESET, a provider of cybersecurity software, an app with malicious intent has been discovered in the Google Play Store and has been collecting data from Android users since September of this year.

The app is called iRecorder – Screen Recorder, 50,000 downloads and it was found to steal data of Android users since September 19, 2021.

According to ESET, “iRecorder – Screen Recorder app was first uploaded to the store on September 19, 2021 without any malicious features. However, it appears that dangerous functionality was added later; this likely happened in version 1.3.8, which was released in August 2022.”

The report added: “The malicious code added to the IRecorder Trojan is based on the open-source AhMyth Android RAT (Remote Access Trojan) and has been customized as AhRat.”

How does the app work?

The application is capable of stealing files from the Android user’s phone in the form of web pages, images, audio, video, document files and file formats.

“App specific malicious behavior that includes collecting files with certain extensions and taking microphone recordings”

ESET also added that they were unable to link the program to any specific malicious organization.

After the announcement, Google removed the malicious application from the store.

How to stay safe?

First, we need to take cybersecurity seriously to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Here are some ways to protect yourself from Android malware:

• Only download apps from known app stores – Don’t use third-party stores to download apps because Google can’t verify them.
• Read App Reviews – By reading reviews, you can know if any other user has experienced strange behavior from the app.
• Don’t use free antivirus trials – free antivirus trials can actually be malware that attacks your Android device.
• Keep your Android phone up to date – Updating your devices ensures that your Android device has the latest security updates.
• Don’t click on ads or pop-ups that tell you about your device’s performance