A new mobile virus is spreading like an avalanche in the Czech Republic – News

The rapid onset of this new threat is particularly alarming. Almost from zero, the FakeApp.AFZ malware shot up to 7.96% and thus became the second most widespread mobile virus in the country after the Andreed adware.

As can be seen from the lines above, this uninvited visitor is currently behind every 12th attack in the Czech Republic. “Regarding the malicious application FakeApp.AFZ, the analysis confirmed to us that the attackers were targeting users who are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies,” warned Martin Jirkal , head of the analytical team at the Prague branch of Eset.

At the same time, cybercriminals use proven methods when they spread a new virus. “They package malicious code into fake apps that abuse famous brands. This is how they spread FakeApp.AFZ, for example, in imitation of applications from IBM or OpenAI,” said Jikal.

So FakeApp.AFZ takes the form of a simple application that displays web pages to users – in the related cases, these were IBM or OpenAI services. “As soon as users open the app, they sign up for a so-called cryptoscam. This means that the malicious application will give them the opportunity to value their money by investing in cryptocurrencies, and the well-known brand is supposed to help make everything safe and reliable ,” the security expert explained the course of the attack.

“There are even cases where victims try to deposit small amounts and then withdraw without any problems, as if it were a legitimate service. The malicious app shows the victims how their money is earned and thus encourages them to send more,” Jirkal explained the habits of the cyber-crooks.

However, according to him, the victims will not be able to withdraw their money after some time and will definitely lose it. “I would advise people to find out as much information as possible about the chosen service on the internet before they start investing. Others who are deceived will certainly not keep themselves and will draw attention to fraud,” said Jirkal.

As seen from the lines above, people usually install this malware on their own mobile devices through an application from an unofficial source.

“Attackers simply hide malicious code in an app with a catchy name. Users should not forward dubious and overly favorable offers of various applications and tools outside the official sources of the applications. Otherwise, they can always count on downloading content they don’t want on their smartphone,” said the security expert.

Wrinkles on the foreheads of security experts are also caused by the Andreed adware, by then Novinky.cz warned already. This is one of the most widespread viruses in the long run. In September, according to the latest viral statistics, it had a share of 18.83%.