Amazon Logo.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Amazon launched Appstore for Android devices way back in 2011 and since then, it has grown big. It now houses close to 500,000 apps. Millions of Android devices and even Amazon's Fire tablets and TVs too, come pre-loaded with such cross-platform Android apps.
Now, McAfee Labs has detected a malware-laced app BMI CalculationVsn on the Amazon Appstore. It looks like a benign Body Mass Index calculator that requires users to just type in weight and height to get the BMI number.
But, this sneaky app developed by PT Visionet Data Internasional steals the personal details of Android phone owners.
It even screens records and even copies all the SMS received and sent including the One-Time-Password (OTP) and other verification codes on the phone to the handler's server.
To avoid suspicion, BMI CalculationVsn is known to change its app icon's design. And, when the user can't remember the name and forgets to use it, the app, while hiding in plain sight works overtime to steal personal information.
BMI CalculationVsn app.
Credit: McAfee
Taking note of the issue, McAfee informed Amazon about the BMI CalculationVsn's illegal activities. The latter has taken down the app.
If you have BMI CalculationVsn on your phone, you are advised to remove it from the phone immediately.
Here's how to safeguard your Android phone from malware-laced apps:
--Though Amazon is a big company, the security on its Appstore is not on par with Google's Play Store. It is advised to install apps from the latter only.
--Avoid installing apps from website URLs sent through the messenger apps.
--Make it a habit of reading the reviews of the apps before downloading them to your phone. It doesn't matter if the app is Google Play Store or Apple App Store or Microsoft Windows Store. The user's reviews always give us enough proof to whether to trust it or go for an app built by a well-known company
--Always update your Android device with the latest security firmware. Most Original Equipment Manufacturers roll out security patches monthly or quarterly (once in three months).
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