For $20,000, around R$100,000, cybercriminals can infect smartphones with Android OS via Google game store. According to a Kaspersky study, if the hacker manages to negotiate for malware on the darknet, the value could be even lower.

Security researchers studied nine markets between 2019 and 2023. Here they found various codes and services for sale to both infect and hijack devices using the official Google app store.

But of course, criminals must have a developer account on the Play Store before delivering the product. The cost to buy one is between US$60 and US$200 or between US$300 and US$1,000.

Then, since installing spyware directly on the store may attract Google’s attention, hackers must use an installer, which will remove the malicious app and the account that made it available. However, the virus gets an update.

Since there is no need to use the official store, the malware is installed on the device exactly when the app asks the victim for permission to access the files. This is the most expensive part for cybercriminals, ie $20,000 or R$100,000. if The complexity of the service is low, the cost is 2 thousand USD (R$ 10 thousand).

Kaspersky’s research has uncovered other services sold in dark web marketplaces. In 2022, academics discovered more than 1.6 million malware installers on the Play Store. The forecast will get worse with “more sophisticated and advanced” threats in the future.

To avoid being infected by malware, users should avoid installing unknown apps. It’s also ideal to always check what permissions are required to use apps.

Source: Tec Mundo

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