According to a statement from the security company Check Point, new malware being referred to as “Agent Smith” is now finding it’s way onto android devices. The malware replaces common apps with malicious versions of the originals. These altered apps then show ads for financial gain.
Jonathan Shimonovich of Check Point says …
“The malware attacks user-installed applications silently, making it challenging for common Android users to combat such threats on their own.”
The majority of the infections to date have been detected in India and neighboring countries, through 9Apps, a app store popular in the region.
But a growing number of devices in the USA reportedly have the malware installed as well. According to these researchers, the malware appears to originate in China, and successfully planted in the Google Play Store.
In this era of security threats, it would be wise to have anti virus products installed on all your devices. And RenoGeek always recommends to do a search for information about programs you wish to use before you install them, to make sure you are getting legitimate software.