In a conversation with RIA Novosti, Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, named three signs by which one can understand that a mobile application is infected with viruses.
According to the deputy, the main threat to users is viruses, Trojans and spyware. They are often embedded in harmless applications, such as games or utilities. The main goal of such programs is to gain access to the user’s personal data.
“By installing such an application, the user risks losing control over their data, which can be used by attackers to steal money or distribute malicious content,” Nemkin said.
The committee member also noted the danger of programs that request excessive permissions. In particular, this concerns providing access to phone functions that are not needed for operation: camera, microphone, contacts, etc. The parliamentarian emphasized that information obtained in this way can be used both for targeted advertising and for sale to other unscrupulous companies.
In addition, applications that imitate popular programs or services pose a threat. Nemkin clarified that with their help, attackers can obtain data from social networks or a bank’s personal account. Such applications are distributed through third-party app stores or via suspicious links.
A similar danger is posed by programs with built-in advertising and unwanted software. With their help, users can be redirected to fraudulent sites, as well as download additional malicious programs, the parliamentarian added.
Previously, Kaspersky Lab experts discovered a new version of the Necro malware in popular applications available on Google Play and other platforms. This Android downloader can download and launch other malicious components on an infected smartphone.
Earlier, Kaspersky revealed the danger of greeting cards in messengers.