Play Store takes down: The Squid Game Application

The dystopian fantasy Squid Game, streaming on Netflix, has recently become the buzz of the social media. Large numbers of people were enticed to download one such app, which proved to be malware, allowing hackers to steal the users' private information.

 

(Related Reading: Malware- One of the Types of Cyber Threats)

 

The Squid Game app buzz

 

A security service recently found the malware app masquerading as the Squid Game wallpaper app on the Google Play Store.

 

The harmful app was reported to have been installed at least 5,000 times before Google closed it down from the Play Store, according to ESET researcher Lukas Stefanko, who investigates malware at the security firm. 

 

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The app, called 'Squid Game Wallpaper 4K HD,' was confirmed to be spreading the infamous Joker virus. Anyone who downloaded the wallpaper in this scenario may have fallen victim to expensive SMS services. 

 

According to the security researcher, the app may also download and run native libraries and APK payloads.The Joker virus has been around for a long time, and if the app used the same tactics, it's possible that the app's users were signed up for subscription features. Stefano points out that there are over 200 Squid Game-related applications on Google Play in addition to this one. 

 

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The “Squid Games—The Game” was one of the unlicensed applications that mimicked the popular Red Light, Green Light game, which was also spotted on Instagram.

 

In just 10 days, the game had over a million downloads. He remarked that it seems like a terrific chance to make profit on in-app commercials from one of the most popular television programs without having to play the actual game. 

 

Stefano tested a few unlicensed apps and verified that they were not dangerous as well.

 

It's time to be cautious!

 

Given the popularization of the latest show, Squid Game, however, the researcher advises that a hazard exists, and users should proceed cautiously while installing Squid Game apps.

 

As reported by BGR.in, the app has now been taken down from the Google Play Store, but Android users who've already downloaded it must uninstall it immediately. 

 

Users should also only download apps from legitimate sources, read reviews, and verify that the software appears to be genuine before tapping the Install button.