Warning! Another Malware Threat Targeting Android Users, Now Targeting Chrome Browser
Android malware threats continue to come in all shapes and forms. The latest warning comes in the form of the Chrome browser used by millions. Security experts have reportedly shared information about a new version of the Android XLoader malware, which now disguises itself as Chrome and seeks access to your text messages and the ability to run in the background to wreak havoc on users.
The Bleeping Computer report cites McAfee to talk about the problems and the modus operandi of the new detection malware.
Android XLoader Malware Threat: How It Attacks
The malware’s simple route to your device is a classic text message infected with a website URL that opens the gates to install a malicious app from a link provided via an APK file. When the victim clicks on the link, they see Chrome written and think to install it directly.
However, sideloading apps from other sources on Android requires you to grant access to those websites in order to install them. Not only does the malware do this, it also gains access to your phone’s text messages and can run behind apps. Hackers who manage to bypass the security checks can then steal personal information such as passwords, photos, contacts and even device details.
McAfee has already notified Google about the latest threat, so it’s safe to say that the company has removed the malware. However, Google cannot control what users do outside of the Play Store. Even then, Google advises people to enable Play Protect on their device to protect themselves from such threats and ensure that malware cannot steal data from these people.
