India is one of the biggest countries to be exploited by Android malware, a new report says. Here are the details.
Android phones are not safe and a new report reaffirms it. But the biggest shock comes from the fact that India is one of the biggest playgrounds for Android malware. Based on the Q2 2022 Threat Report from malware protection and internet security company ESET, it is said that most Android Trojan malware is found in India and continues to grow by 9.5% in the second half of 2022. And one of the prime suspects is the GB WhatsApp application, which is responsible for spreading the malware.
The GB WhatsApp app, which is a third-party WhatsApp client, is an easy way to spread Android spyware. The app is basically a modded version of WhatsApp which offers additional features on top of the regular WhatsApp features. You will not find the app listed on the Google Play Store and users need to download its APK and download it from other sources. However, download files are easily modified with malicious content and they spread malware as soon as users download them.
Android malware spreads with GB WhatsApp
Once the application is installed, the malicious codes run in the background, without the user noticing. What is even more dangerous is that the Trojan horse malware is not immediately noticeable as it leaves no traces on your phone, and even shows signs that it is there. Spyware has no effect on the daily performance of your smartphone. Therefore, the spyware will continue to steal your data and you may not even know it.
The only known way to get rid of this malware is to perform a full factory reset of your device. And that means you will lose all your data. Even having a backup of this data and reinstalling it would restore the malware.
How to stay safe
– Above all, you should not download or install any apps outside of the Google Play Store. Most APK files hosted on other app libraries and websites may contain embedded malware.
– Never download modded version of WhatsApp or any other social media app. Unless the app was published by the developer themselves, stick to the official app.
– If you suspect that your phone is infected with malware, you should immediately disconnect the internet connection and perform a full factory reset. This time, avoid downloading such shady apps from unverified websites.