Remember Joker malware? Now another one called Harly arrived, and the method of infecting your device is through a Google Play install, as reported by MakeUseOf. Those who have a little idea about Batman villain, Harly malware named after Harley QuinnJoker’s fictional girlfriend in DC Comics The universe. The difference between these two malware is while Joker malware required to download malicious code after landing on the device through legitimate apps, Harly Malware carry malicious code with it and do not rely on being remotely controlled.
How Harly Malware Works
Harly malware is designed to target users by signing up for their accounts with a paid subscription without their knowledge. When it arrives on your device, Harly will secretly sign it up for expensive subscriptions that will eventually add up to your monthly phone bill. Enabling subscriptions to various services can often be done through SMS verification and phone calls to an automated number, and malware takes advantage of that. Subscriber trojan works by opening hidden windows and entering registration details and also by intercepting SMS messages to get verification codes. It can also make phone calls, the report said. Harly can do all this through your mobile data connection, after disconnecting your device from Wi-Fi.
According to Kaspersky, around 190 different Android apps have been found to contain Harly malware and have an estimated download count of at least 4.8 million.
For now, Harly is only configured to work with local Thai telecom providers but its reach could expand, the report warns.
How you can stay safe from malware
Since Harly malware can arrive through apps that look safe on Google Play StoreHere are some precautions you can take:
How Harly Malware Works
Harly malware is designed to target users by signing up for their accounts with a paid subscription without their knowledge. When it arrives on your device, Harly will secretly sign it up for expensive subscriptions that will eventually add up to your monthly phone bill. Enabling subscriptions to various services can often be done through SMS verification and phone calls to an automated number, and malware takes advantage of that. Subscriber trojan works by opening hidden windows and entering registration details and also by intercepting SMS messages to get verification codes. It can also make phone calls, the report said. Harly can do all this through your mobile data connection, after disconnecting your device from Wi-Fi.
According to Kaspersky, around 190 different Android apps have been found to contain Harly malware and have an estimated download count of at least 4.8 million.
For now, Harly is only configured to work with local Thai telecom providers but its reach could expand, the report warns.
How you can stay safe from malware
Since Harly malware can arrive through apps that look safe on Google Play StoreHere are some precautions you can take:
- Check the app reviews before downloading it from the Play Store. If an app is a scam, people who installed it first and put it at risk will often warn others in reviews and by giving them low ratings. So keep an eye out for reviews and low ratings on the Play Store.
- Don’t install apps you don’t really need to reduce the risk of your device getting a virus.
- Set a spending limit on your phone bill if possible. This way, the chances of subscription services charging you are lower.
- Protect your device with a paid antivirus solution.
