If you're an Android user and you frequently visit Google Play to download applications you may have to think twice about clicking on this install button. Android devices are facing a new threat in the form of a malware strain that is currently prowling the Google Play market. It is called "Viking Horde," and hackers use to recruit your machine part of a botnet, among other malicious purposes.
Discovered by Check Point earlier this month, malware Viking Horde is said to infect Android devices via Google Play downloads. A handful of applications in the library so far have been found to carry the malware Viking Horde, which are not available for download yet. These applications are Viking Jump, Memory Booster, Single 2048, Parrot Copter, WiFi Plus. The malware is still free on Google Play.
What Viking Horde do for your device?
According to Check Point, attackers use malware strain to conduct ad fraud by establishing IP proxy addresses to lure unsuspecting users into clicking on ads disguised striker, which generates profit for the attackers.
The user device also becomes part of a large network of computers botnet that is used for transmissions with other Internet-connected devices without the knowledge of the owners-that attackers can use other malicious purposes such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, spyware and email spamming seeding, among others.
malware is said to affect Android devices, rooted or not, but the old faces more risks; by Check Point, the Viking Horde provides additional payloads that can remotely execute code.
Check Point also added that the malware can "leverage root access privileges to be difficult or impossible to manually delete" using a number of techniques that he has the device, even if its main components are removed. the components also adopt names related to the system, making them difficult to locate.
How can you protect yourself?
now is unknown how you can restore a device that has been infected by the Viking Horde malware. once your device has been infected, the only solid solutions draw from your backup files or reset your Android device to factory settings.
But if your device is still affected, you can still make security measures so that you can protect against malware and other Viking Horde malware. Here are some simple tips:
exercise good judgment
In any online business, especially when it involves downloading applications, good judgment is always the best way to protect against malware- malware and attacks such as the Viking Horde. If something seems fishy obviously the application page as the description that contains misspelled words or the page does not have images, you should think before you click the install button.
research before installing
Before downloading any application, it is best to start by doing research on the app it takes only a few minutes. Search Google and look at the search results. Look up and read reviews on applications, particularly those from reliable sources. You can also browse user reviews whether the application is running or not really. Red flags include comments concerning forced installations or attempted access to critical areas of a device (such as messaging and contacts).
Always update your operating system and applications
This is a given, especially if you want your Android device for its full functionality. In addition, by updating your operating system and your applications, you allow your device to make use of new security features that come with the updates.
Wait for the official launch date
A lot of mobile developers announce a launch date for the applications they develop, especially for those who are eagerly awaited. Sometimes the hype that these developers to create is so high that some users want to get their hands on the application as soon as possible. Cyber criminals use to their advantage, launching applications with the same name filled with malware and other malicious software to attract those users. Always wait for the official launch date when uploading to protect your device.
Use a VPN for added protection
While the Viking Horde is known to prowl just Google Play, it is still malware and malware attacks are always present whenever browsing the Internet. You may think that your antivirus or antimalware can keep your device securely, but this is not enough. For better protection against malware, you may want to consider installing a virtual private network (VPN) on your device.
Hotspot Shield is a VPN you can download free and is considered one of better VPN and more reliable today. Hotspot Shield is compatible with Android devices and Mac devices, Windows and iOS. Installing a VPN protection such as Hotspot Shield on your device provides additional attacks against malicious software such as Viking Horde.
What are the advantages of Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield VPN protects your device against malware attacks by informing you if a website you are trying to access contains malicious software, which will then be blocked for your safety. The Hotspot Shield VPN provides additional protection for your device because it can detect and block more than 3.5 million, phishing and spam malicious sites.
In addition to better protection against malware, Hotspot Shield can help you access the blocked content at work or school. Login with Hotspot Shield enabled gives you a new US IP address to mask your real IP address. It provides a secure, encrypted connection, anonymous web surfing, and the strengthening of security when browsing via Wi-Fi. You can enjoy all these benefits at no cost because Hotspot Shield is free.
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There is also an Elite version you can get for a small fee that allows you to enjoy all these benefits, and access to 15+ virtual locations in addition to a US virtual location, ad browsing, and unlimited bandwidth.
The Viking Horde is an example of how malware attacks are constantly changing, and if you exhaust all the options available to protect your device, not only you may be infected, you also become part of a network that cybercriminals can use to promote their interests.
Get Hotspot Shield for Android!
The Viking Horde is an example of how malware attacks are constantly changing, and if you exhaust all the options available to protect your device, not only you risk be infected, you also become part of a network that cybercriminals can use to advance their interests.
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