MILLIONS of Android owners are at risk of a malware attack that silently raids their back accounts – and stops other apps from alerting them.
The cyberattack tricks Android owners into installing malware that secretly subscribes them to premium paid services, according to researchers.
It can also block roughly 200 apps from sending notifications to your phone.
Researchers at ESET, a cybersecurity company, said the hackers are taking advantage of the sudden popularity of a new game called Hamster Kombat.
Hamster Kombat is an Android mobile app where players earn in-game currency by completing simple tasks, primarily by tapping the screen.
Players of the game, which launched in March 2024, have been targeted with fake Android software that actually installs spyware and information-stealing malware on devices.
The app is not available in the Google Play Store, where it would be subject to security checks.
Instead, it’s downloadable through the official Hamster Kombat Telegram channel.
Players are required to join the Hamster Kombat channel on Telegram, scan a QR code provided by a bot, and then launch a web app on their Android devices to play it.
However, this makes the game and its players easy targets for cybercriminals and scammers.
Detecting a malicious app before you hit the 'Download' button is easy when you know the signs.
Follow this eight-point checklist when you’re downloading an app you’re unsure about:
All of this information will available in both Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.
Various Hamster-branded channels have emerged, distributing Android malware to those searching for the official channel.
One channel named ‘HAMSTER EASY’ has been found distributing the Ratel Android spyware, according to ESET.
This strain of spyware can intercept SMS and device notifications, and is the malicious software that subscribes the victim to paid-for services.
Hackers then get a cut of these dodgy subscription earnings.
A Hamster Kombat clone app has also been discovered on the Google Play Store under the title ‘Hamster Kombat – Earn Crypto’.
While several fake websites that claim to offer the game, but instead redirect visitors to ads to watch so hackers can generate even more money, have also been discovered.
The game has attracted over 250million players and 53million users on it’s Telegram channel in the four months since it launched.
Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks:
