Got an Android? Agent Smith from the Matrix might have infiltrated your phone.
According to cybersecurity firm Check Point, Aussie Android users may have downloaded a malicious clone app dubbed ‘Agent Smith’ after Hugo Weaving’s character in The Matrix.
Apparently, the malware has infected around 25 million devices around the globe and is disguised as a Google related application, working to “exploit known Android vulnerabilities” and replace installed apps with “malicious versions without the user’s interaction.” Yikes.
Check Point says the malware has been displaying fake ads for financial gain on users devices, but “hypothetically, nothing is stopping them from targeting bank apps. Ashwin Pal, Director of Cyber Security at Unisys told News.com.au that the malware developers could “capture confidential data such as Internet banking passwords etc.”
Agent Smith infects users devices when an app is installed containing the malicious code, typically from third-party sites, however 11 apps on Google Play have been found to be spreading the malware as well.
So how do Android protect their phones from Agent Smith? Dustin Childs from Trend Micro says updating your device to the latest version is key, as well as using a trustworthy ad-blocker.
BRB, updating my phone.