Finding fake mobile applications is something relatively common. There are many programs that are created simply to defraud, either by stealing bank details, passwords or simply making the phone go bad. But this problem is more important when it comes to a app that is inside Google Play, what we could consider as a reliable platform. In this article we echo an application, with tens of thousands of downloads, that spies on users.
This fake program is capable of tracking location, reading messages, viewing call logs, taking pictures or recording anything that is heard in the background. A kind of malware which certainly puts the privacy and security of anyone who has this software installed on their Android phone at risk.
AhRat, an Android spy Trojan
This new threat has been discovered by ESET. They have given the name of ahrat. The problem comes when the victim installs the application iRecorder – Screen Recorder. It is a program that has been on Google Play since September 2021, so it is not something recent. However, they believe that it could have been hacked in an update in August 2022.
Being an application of screen recording, that facilitated the request for permissions to be able to record audio or access files. Security researchers estimate that it has been downloaded about 50,000 times. This makes many possible victims who have encountered this problem.
After the discovery by ESET, the program was quickly removed from Google Play. But that does not mean that it does not continue to exist, since it may be in other alternative markets. Also, many people may have the app installed on their phones. They could be spying on you without you knowing it.
In fact, according to ESET research, this Trojan appears to have been used primarily for spying. Its capabilities were mainly used to create and leak sound recordings and steal certain files that had certain specific extensions.
How to protect yourself from this threat
The first thing you should do to protect yourself from this threat is delete the app if you have it installed. That is fundamental. If you have this software installed, they could be spying on you without you knowing it and these types of Trojans don’t really leave a trace, so they go unnoticed.
From there, it is essential to avoid installing applications of this type. The case of AhRat is not exclusive, as there are many other programs that can be fraudulent. It is essential to be well informed about what you are installing, review comments and ratings. Do not install dubious applications, much less from unofficial sources.
Also, it’s good protect device. Use a good antivirus, with which you can detect security threats. It is also convenient to keep the devices updated to correct possible vulnerabilities that may exist. That will help you achieve smooth operation and avoid failures.
In short, as you see this application that we have shown as a spy through Android. It is essential not to have it installed and also take certain measures to avoid similar attacks that could compromise the security of the phone. If your mobile has been hacked, it is essential that you take immediate action.
