Netflix's global hit Squid Game has inspired a host of unofficial apps from money-hungry Android developers, including those making malware targeting the unwary.
... [+]If you’re going crazy for Squid Game like the rest of the Netflix-watching world, you might be tempted to download an app based on the smash hit TV show. But beware: developers have already managed to get malware masquerading as a Squid Game phone wallpaper app onto Google Play as hundreds of unofficial apps have hit the Android app store.
The malicious app, which was downloaded at least 5,000 times before Google caught it and threw it out of Play, was discovered by an Android security researcher using the handle @ReBensk and was subsequently analyzed by ESET Android malware researcher Lukas Stefanko. Both determined it to be a well-known brand of rogue Android software known as Joker.
He said that it was hard to tell if Google was getting quicker at picking up on malicious apps that take advantage of viral hits like Squid Game, but “it would make sense,” given malware authors have in the past exploited the popularity of games like Fortnite and Pokemon, as well as Covid-19 trackers. Typically Google will check an app before and after it’s uploaded to Play for potential malicious activity, but often malware authors find ways around the tech giant’s security barriers.
Amongst the unofficial apps, one called “Squid Games - The Game” replicated the famous “red light, green light” game that featured in the show’s first episode. Despite its basic gameplay, it reached one million installs in just ten days. Stefanko said it wasn’t malicious in any way, while the the handful of unofficial apps he checked were also benign other than showing plenty of in-app advertisements.
But he added that the threat remains and users should take a cautious approach if downloading Squid Game apps. “I would be careful when downloading any unofficial apps. Still, if I was going to install any of them, I would advise users to read reviews from others that might suggest what the app is about,” he added.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
7 death game TV shows and movies to watch after Squid GameIn the mood for anxiety-inducing, life-threatening playtime? You’ve come to the right place.
Read more »
Rami Malek & Pete Davidson Star in ‘Squid Game’ Country Music Video on 'SNL': WatchNetflix's 'Squid Game' was transformed into a hilarious country music video parody during 'Saturday Night Live' on Oct. 16.
Read more »
Watch the 'Squid Game' parody from 'SNL' that you never knew you neededRami Malek and Pete Davidson compete in this parody — and someone has to come out out on top!
Read more »
In the Hunt for the Next ‘Squid Game,’ Industry Execs See ‘Unlimited PotentialIf the unexpected success of Netflix’s Korean sensation “Squid Game” has taught the TV industry anything, it’s that the next breakout hit can come from anywhere at anytime. …
Read more »
Data: How ‘Squid Game’ Stacks Up Against Netflix’s Top Non-English Titles in the U.S.New VIP+ Analysis: The Korean series nabbed more U.S. viewers in 14 days than any other non-English Netflix original has, per YouGov Stream.
Read more »
Netflix's 'Squid Game' estimated to be worth $900 millionIn comparison to its estimated net worth, the show cost just $21.4 million to produce, Bloomberg said. Netflix had earlier announced the show had amassed 111 million fans, but Bloomberg said those figures were based on slightly older data. Los Gatos, California-based Netflix estimated that 89% of people who started the show watched more than one episode, the news agency said, and 66% of the viewers finished watching the series in the first 23 days.
Read more »