A new malware has been found in over 50 Google Play Store apps. The name of the malware is ‘NoVoice’, and the apps that contain it have been installed over 2.3 million times.
Now, don’t panic yet, as this malware is able to affect only a limited number of devices in general. If your device has been updated after a certain date, you’re okay. More on that soon.
New Android malware can survive a factory reset, even
This malware has been mentioned in a new report by Bleeping Computer. Employees at McAfee, a cybersecurity research company, have discovered this malware and found it inside apps such as system cleaners, games, and image galleries.
How does it work exactly? Well, once you install an affected app, the malware exploits any Android vulnerabilities in order to get root access. If it succeeds, the attackers can get a lot of information from your phone, including usernames and passwords for financial apps. The malware can also install and delete apps if it gains root access.
In some instances, this malware can embed itself so deeply inside the phone that not even a factory reset will help get it off. Things are not as bad as they seem, though, as mentioned in the beginning.
You’re fine if your phone has been updated since May 2021
Google reacted to this finding and notified Bleeping Computer that Android devices updated since May 2021 are protected. So there’s a great chance your phone is fully protected against this malware.
This only goes to show how important security updates are, and that people should not hold a phone past its expiration date. A phone doesn’t exactly expire if it stops getting updates, but you get the meaning.
Google also noted that Google Play Protect automatically removes the malicious apps and blocks new installations. The company also emphasized the importance of downloading security updates.
If you’re wondering which 50 apps are affected exactly, we don’t know; that information hasn’t been shared. One app was mentioned, called SwiftClean, and that one carried the NoVoice payload.
The post This Android Malware Can Survive a Factory Reset — But Chances Are You’re Protected appeared first on Android Headlines.
