remember clown Malware? now called another harley According to a report by MakeUseOf, has arrived and the way to infect your device is through Google Play install. as those who have little idea about batman Villain, Harly malware named after Harley Quinnimaginary girlfriend of joker dc comics Universe. The difference between these two malware is that while joker malware Requires downloading of malicious code after landing on the device through legitimate looking apps, Harley Malware It carries malicious code with it and does not rely on being controlled remotely.
How Harley Malware Works
Harley malware is designed to target users by signing up with paid subscriptions without their knowledge. Once it’s on your device, Harley will secretly sign it up for an expensive subscription that will eventually add to your monthly phone bill. Activating subscriptions for various services can usually be done through SMS verification and phone calls to an automated number and malware takes advantage of this. The Trojan also works by opening a hidden subscriber window and intercepting SMS messages by entering sign-up details and receiving verification codes. The report says that it can also make phone calls. After you disconnect your device from Wi-Fi, Harly is able to do all this through your mobile data connection.
According to Kaspersky, approximately 190 different Android apps have been found to contain Harly malware and there are an estimated 4.8 million downloads.
For now, Harley is configured to work only with local Thai telecommunications providers, but its reach may expand, the report warns.
How can you stay safe from malware
Since Harly can get at malware through apps that look safe google play storeHere are some precautions you can take:
How Harley Malware Works
Harley malware is designed to target users by signing up with paid subscriptions without their knowledge. Once it’s on your device, Harley will secretly sign it up for an expensive subscription that will eventually add to your monthly phone bill. Activating subscriptions for various services can usually be done through SMS verification and phone calls to an automated number and malware takes advantage of this. The Trojan also works by opening a hidden subscriber window and intercepting SMS messages by entering sign-up details and receiving verification codes. The report says that it can also make phone calls. After you disconnect your device from Wi-Fi, Harly is able to do all this through your mobile data connection.
According to Kaspersky, approximately 190 different Android apps have been found to contain Harly malware and there are an estimated 4.8 million downloads.
For now, Harley is configured to work only with local Thai telecommunications providers, but its reach may expand, the report warns.
How can you stay safe from malware
Since Harly can get at malware through apps that look safe google play storeHere are some precautions you can take:
- Before downloading apps from Play Store, check their reviews. If the app is fraudulent, people who installed it first and got in danger will usually warn others in reviews and by giving low ratings. So, keep an eye out for reviews and low ratings on Play Store.
- Don’t install apps that you don’t really need to reduce the risk of your device getting infected.
- If possible, set a spending limit on your phone bill. That way, subscription services are less likely to charge you.
- Protect your device with a paid antivirus solution.