Once downloaded, the applications mentioned above might be able to download further apps to the victim's phone and even send the user prompt notifications to lead them to more mistakes.
Here are the most recent malware app types to watch out for:
What Is Android.Spy.4498?
The largest malware groups in the last month (by far) were Android.Spy.4498 and Android.Spy.5106, Dr. Web antivirus discovers.
These applications are variations of a similar trojan and their purpose is to steal the contents of other app notifications on the device where the trojan has been download. These specific ones can also download new applications and ask users to install them as well, or they can display additional dialogue boxes.
“This malicious [Android.Spy.4498 trojan] is capable of hijacking the contents of other apps’ notifications, which can cause leaks of confidential and sensitive data,” Dr. Web antivirus told.
These trojans have reportedly been more successful than those that only offer "obnoxious advertising," according to Dr. Web.
But, before you install a new utility app, consider it again because you do not want either type of infection.
The new malware applications are disguising themselves under different names, one of them went by the name "Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master" and claimed to be an OS optimization programme. Others include legitimate utility titles like “Volume,” “Music Equalizer,” “Bluetooth device auto-connect,” and the strangely lengthy title of “Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB driver.” These names appear to be intended to prey on less tech-savvy customers, who may just be looking for a way to plug into a USB port.
How can You Avoid Downloading Android Malware?
One of the most reliable ways to secure yourself from these scams is to refrain from downloading any apps that are not from a well-established brand, which only raises the winner-takes-all stakes that most apps today face.
Other online safety measures a user can utilize include employing VPN or any antivirus software, but even these tools would turn unproductive to prevent the virus that you yourself have downloaded. It is thus better for any online user to just evade downloading any suspicious application.