Play Store: This Android malware threatens to hack your Facebook account

Pradeo computer security researchers are warning Android users. After the investigation, experts emerged. trace of a new malware on Play Store. Dubbed FaceStealer, the virus is designed to steal Facebook credentials and forward them to Russian servers that have long been owned by hackers.

Using this data (passwords and username), the hackers behind the attack, take control from your Facebook account. “The authors exploiting this spyware have full access to the victims’ Facebook accounts and all the data they contain.such as credit card information, conversations, calls”Highlights the Pradeo report.

More than 100,000 Android users have installed spyware

The malware is stored in an Android app on the Play Store to infiltrate its victims’ smartphones. Craftsart Cartoon Photo Tools. This seemingly harmless application allows users to upload an image and turn it into a cartoon image. Since it appeared on the online store, the app has been installed more than 100,000 times.

Once the spyware is installed on the victim’s smartphone “imitate the work of legitimate photo editing apps” for the purpose of “Cover up their illegal activities”. To circumvent Google’s security measures, the virus lands on a piece of code hidden in the app’s code.

As soon as the user opens the application, a window will ask him to connect his Facebook account be able to use editing software. This is where hackers get the data to log into the account.

This data is then exploited by criminals. Via the account, you can carry out phishing attacks, spread fake news, or “financial fraud”. We advise you to be careful if an app requires access to your Facebook account or any social network for no apparent reason.