Malware CopyCat infects 14 million Android devices!

About 14 million Android devices are estimated to be infected by “CopyCat” malware in various regions of the world.

The majority of devices that are in trouble are in Asia, but as reported by “CNET”, it is estimated that in the US a number of 280,000 “Android” devices are infected. The bad thing is that in addition to those who are infected directly, “CopyCat” malware infects third-party devices through “phishing” applications.

“CopyCat” malware is encountered in many third-party “Android” apps, not in the Google Play Store. “Malware”, once installed, collects data from the infected device and downloads “rootkits” to make “root” more easily and —bypassing smartphone security— in an easier way for those who have malicious purposes.

However, “CopyCat” does not stop there as it can intercept “Zygote” on the device —that is, the starter of all phone applications— and get acquainted with all the applications the user uses, and can even replace the “Referrer ID” of the apps, In order to send the winnings from showing ads not to their creator but to an account of their liking.

Installing apps from third-party sources rather than the “Google Play Store” is very risky and this should be taken into account by all “Android” device owners.

Source: www.pestaola.gr

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