Also read: This Android malware can infect your WhatsApp contact list
How did this fake Netflix app work?
The fake Netflix app that was available on Google Play Store works in a fairly simple way. Upon installation, the app asks for a bevy of permissions and then burrows its way into your WhatsApp, after which your WhatsApp contacts get the following message.
“2 Months of Netflix Premium Free at no cost For REASON OF QUARANTINE (CORONA VIRUS)* VIRUS)* Get 2 Months of Netflix Premium Free anywhere in the world for 60 days. Get it now HERE. (bad link here)
Anyone who clicks on the link will be infected by the malware, which will further try to spread itself via WhatsApp. Checkpoint hasn’t specified how many users have been affected by the hack. The firm recommends that anyone affected by the hack should uninstall the application immediately and change all of their passwords as a security measure.
Malware such as the one mentioned above isn’t particularly sophisticate, as it requires active user intervention. It is also good practice not to click on mysterious links, even if they have been sent by someone you trust. Furthermore, if anyone is offering you anything for free, it almost certainly is a scam. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.