• Hacking News
    • Leaks
    • WikiLeaks
    • Anonymous
  • Tech
    • Android
    • Apple News
    • BlackBerry
    • Google News
    • Microsoft
    • Motorola
    • Nokia
    • Samsung
    • 3D
  • Cyber Crime
    • Phishing Scam
  • How To
  • Cyber Events
    • Censorship
    • Cyber Attacks
  • Security
    • Malware
  • Surveillance
    • Drones
    • NSA
    • Privacy
  • Explore
    • Gaming
    • Science
    • Viral
HackRead
  • January 24th, 2021
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
HackRead
  • Hacking News
    • Leaks
    • WikiLeaks
    • Anonymous
  • Tech
    • Android
    • Apple News
    • BlackBerry
    • Google News
    • Microsoft
    • Motorola
    • Nokia
    • Samsung
    • 3D
  • Cyber Crime
    • Phishing Scam
  • How To
  • Cyber Events
    • Censorship
    • Cyber Attacks
  • Security
    • Malware
  • Surveillance
    • Drones
    • NSA
    • Privacy
  • Explore
    • Gaming
    • Science
    • Viral
  • Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    • Youtube
Home
Technology News
Android

Viking Horde Malware Turns Android Devices into BotNet

May 11th, 2016 Uzair Amir Security, Android, Malware 0 comments
Viking Horde Malware Turns Android Devices into BotNet
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Viking Horde malware gains root access of any Android device — It can steal your personal data, conduct DDoS attacks and ad frauds.

Android devices are under constant threat of malware attacks, recently, an IT security firm Check Point has exposed a dangerous malware targeting Android devices. They call it Viking Horde malware which has infected several apps on Google PlayStore such as Viking Jump, Memory Booster, Parrot Copter, Simple 2048, Wifi Plus and Parrot Copter.

[q]Tip: Don’t install apps asking for root access privileges[/q]

Usually, a malware steals users’ financial and login details but Viking Horde turns the infected devices into a botnet, a network of devices infected with malicious software and controlled by attackers without the owners’ knowledge to send spam, conduct cyber attacks including Distributed Denial of Service attacks (DDoS). That’s not all, Viking Horde is developed to perform other scams including ad clicks so attackers can get some bucks.

Viking-Family

List of 5 Android apps carrying Viking Horde malware / Image Source: Check Point

Once the user downloads these infected apps, they serve the users with unwanted ads. Thanks to the Google’s slow scanning process for Android that such apps avoid detection by Google Bouncer. (Pun intended). Google Bouncer is an automatic app testing system that detects inherent security issues of the device.

The Viking Horde malware is currently targeting both rooted and unrooted Android devices. However, those using rooted devices are more vulnerable to this malware. The malware also gains root access privileges making it almost impossible to remove unless you really know what you are dealing with.

[must url=”https://www.hackread.com/which-phone-is-vulnerable-to-hacking-iphone-or-android/“]Which Phone is More Vulnerable to Hacking — iPhone or Android?[/must]

[fullsquaread][/fullsquaread]

[must url=”https://www.hackread.com/android-malware-fakes-famous-apps/“]New Android Malware Surfaced, Only Way Out Throw Away Your Phone[/must]

Check Point notified Google about these apps on 5th May 2016 however, at the moment, Google did not remove any of these infected apps so, for now, you are on your own. 

[src src=”Source” url=”http://blog.checkpoint.com/2016/05/09/viking-horde-a-new-type-of-android-malware-on-google-play/”]Check Point[/src] 

  • Tags
  • Android
  • DDOS
  • Fraud
  • Google
  • Malware
  • Privacy
  • Scam
  • security
  • Smartphones
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest
Previous article Opera Finally Introduces Free VPN for iOS - Opera VPN
Next article Pornhub Bug Bounty Program: Report critical flaws, earn $25,000
Uzair Amir

Uzair Amir

I am an Electronic Engineer, an Android Game Developer and a Tech writer. I am into music, snooker and my life motto is 'Do my best, so that I can't blame myself for anything.'

Related Posts
SonicWall hacked after 0-day flaws exploited by hackers

SonicWall hacked after 0-day flaws exploited by hackers

Gamarue malware found in UK Govt-funded laptops for homeschoolers

Gamarue malware found in UK Govt-funded laptops for homeschoolers

Shazam Vulnerability exposed location of Android, iOS users

Shazam Vulnerability exposed location of Android, iOS users

Newsletter

Get the best stories straight into your inbox!



Don’t worry, we don’t spam

Latest Posts
SonicWall hacked after 0-day flaws exploited by hackers
Hacking News

SonicWall hacked after 0-day flaws exploited by hackers

62
Massive privacy risk as hacker sold 2 million MyFreeCams user records
Cyber Crime

Massive privacy risk as hacker sold 2 million MyFreeCams user records

116
Gamarue malware found in UK Govt-funded laptops for homeschoolers
Security

Gamarue malware found in UK Govt-funded laptops for homeschoolers

574

HACKREAD is a News Platform that centers on InfoSec, Cyber Crime, Privacy, Surveillance and Hacking News with full-scale reviews on Social Media Platforms & Technology trends. Founded in 2011, HackRead is based in the United Kingdom.

Follow us