Android phone and tablet youtube apps can destroy users have received a red alert about a dangerous new strain of malware hiding in fake YouTube and WhatsApp apps.
In its recent 2022 Quarterly Adverse Threat Report, Meta, owners of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, revealed that new Dracarys malware is being injected into fake versions of popular apps.
According to the report, this strain of malware is capable of stealing call logs, contact information, files, SMS text messages, geolocation and device details from an Android device, as well as secretly taking photos, enabling the phone’s microphone or Tablet.
Meta further said that Dracarys, named after a Dragons battle cry from Game of Thrones, was being spread by the Bitter APT hacking group which has been carrying out attacks in the UK, New Zealand, India and Pakistan.
Android malware has been found on fake versions of YouTube, Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
New Android malware gains access to a wide range of insidious features after abusing a device’s accessibility services, which then gives it access to greater permissions.
Meta’s warning that this new Android malware can slip past antivirus detection is concerning, especially for those who have already downloaded the affected apps.
The malware is found in the early days, so it is to be expected that in the future it can be scanned by antivirus applications. In the meantime, however, it’s especially important to make sure you only download official apps from the Google Play Store. These whatsapp youtube apps can destroy your android phones.