Agent Smith virus has infected over 25 million Android phones across the world of which over 15 million (over 1.5 crore) are in India.
The malware was found out by researchers at security firm Check Point, who have found that it currently uses its broad access to the devices’ resources to show fraudulent ads for financial gain but could easily be used for far more intrusive and harmful purposes such as banking credential theft and eavesdropping.
According to Check Point Research, Agent Smith mostly spreads through third-party app stores like 9Apps, while Google's Play store is regulated in a better way, something that makes it difficult -- but not impossible -- for malicious code or virus-like Agent Smith to spread on Android phones.
The malware looks for apps like WhatsApp, Opera Mini, or Flipkart, and then injects their code and prevents them from being updated.
“The malware attacks user-installed applications silently, making it challenging for common Android users to combat such threats on their own," said Jonathan Shimonovich, head of mobile threat detection research at Check Point Software Technologies.
First Published: Jul 11, 2019 5:30 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
2024 Lok Sabha Elections | What does a low voter turnout indicate for NDA and I.N.D.I.A Bloc
Apr 29, 2024 5:48 AM
'Borrowed' leaders: Congress hits out at AAP for not fielding their own candidates in Punjab
Apr 28, 2024 9:53 PM
EC asks AAP to modify election campaign song and Kejriwal's party is miffed
Apr 28, 2024 9:25 PM