FlyTrap Malware Threatens Facebook Hacks via Android Devices, Here's How to Avoid It

The FlyTrap Malware is now plaguing Android users and threatening to hack their Facebook accounts when caught in the said trap, and falling victim to it is very simple. However, as simple as it is to be victimized, it is also easy to avoid it altogether and save one the hassle of getting their private data stolen by these threat actors.

Changing one's password on a social media website and having two-factor authentication is not enough anymore, especially if a device is already infected with malware. Now, users would have to be careful with regards to what enters their smartphones and the content they visit.

What is the FlyTrap Malware?

The FlyTrap is an Android Trojan Malware, and it was reported by Zimperium that it is currently widespread in the open-sourced software from Google, to victimize its users. What it does is appear as something wireless that users would be compelled to download or install via a sideloading app or third-party app store.

Here, after being given access and masquerading as something trustworthy, it would begin to infect users by quietly installing the malware. The users would not be aware that their devices have been accessed or hacked, more importantly, if there are any changes to their Facebook accounts.

These threat actors would not let their presence be known, so users would not suspect anything weird going on with their device. It would only lurk on their social media and it would remain undetected as it is being used on a "trusted device."

Accessing One's Android Phone, Phishing Data

The malware is now spread out to 140 countries and has an estimated 10,000 victims which it has already attacked.

Not only does it install itself in an app, but it is also believed that it can be found within phishing scams that are widespread on the internet today. At most times, it hides in "ad campaigns" where it hides behind a promotion that promises prizes for the users, and could only be redeemed by logging in to their Facebook accounts.

This is the same method used by threat actors that lurk via LinkedIn, particularly to job seekers that are eager to secure employment in this pandemic.

How to Protect One's Android from the FlyTrap?

There are lots of things to consider and remember when using one's phone, and it should be something that should be observed at all times, even during casual browsing. One of which is to avoid clicking links from unknown sources, even those seen being spread around social media.

Some of which are known to be malware in disguise and could immediately install themselves once prompted. Next is to avoid installing apps from untrusted third-party software, especially if the website looks sketchy and a mock-up of famous ones.

Always check the label and trust one's browser which can show if the connection is secure or not.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard