Virus at WhatsApp: now even Germany – and assigned a total of 25 million devices

"Agent Smith" is spreading through various programs such as Whatsapp. The virus has already touched more than 25 million devices in the world. There are now cases in Germany.

Updated 17.7.2019, 10:27 AM It was only a matter of time: "Agent Smith" malware and Android phones were infested by German users. The computer security experts of the company "Check Point" confirmed to the "Focus" that the virus had been discovered up to now on about 42,000 devices in Germany. Previously, malware was detected on mobile phones and other Android devices, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There have also been cases in the United States and the United Kingdom – but much less.

Smith Agent Virus: Can attack WhatsApp and other applications

Munich – A particularly nasty virus is currently affecting Android devices in different parts of the world. Already 25 million devices would be affected. According to the Israeli security company "Check Point", the malware is acting in the background, which is why Android users are totally innocent.

Malware – nicknamed "Agent Smith" by computer experts – disguises itself as a common application and hides behind free games or tools. After installation, frequently used applications, such as WhatsApp, will be examined on the device. These applications would then be replaced by the application of viruses, after which the victims would be attracted by fraudulent advertisements and the profits would be removed on dubious sites.

Smith Agent Virus: Hackers Can Capture Bank Data

In addition, the virus can spy on users and track their location, movements and inputs. It also offers hackers the opportunity to access banking data. The majority of people affected – 15 million – come from India, as Pakistan and Bangladesh are infected with many Android devices. But in other parts of the world, the malware has already spread: so there are 300,000 cases in the United States, 137,000 others in the United Kingdom. At least for the moment, German users are safe.

"Check Point" reports that the carrier's application is mainly in Indian, Arabic, Russian and Indonesian. The company has discovered in the Google Play Store eleven applications containing traces of malware. Apparently, the virus was created by an unspecified Chinese company from Guangzhou while it was working to allow Chinese Android developers to promote their own apps on overseas platforms.

Danger for WhatsApp and Co. by the Chinese distribution site

9Apps, a Chinese provider, has been identified by Google as a central distribution point. In response, the apps would no longer be approved by Google. 9Apps has already been removed from Google Play Store.

Anyone who considers "FaceApp" as a joke will not face this case: A child missing in 2001 has now been found.

Here's how Android users can protect themselves against "Smith Agent"

Therefore, it is recommended to download applications only from reliable sources such as Google Play Store, even if it does not mean a 100% guarantee. Remedy also anti-virus programs. Jonathan Shimonovich of "Check Point Software Technologies" further recommends to systematically install the latest version of Android. The latest update has already been upgraded accordingly.

A crash not only caused major disruptions on Facebook and WhatsApp, but also revealed unplanned secret features. In just a few clicks, every user can see what Instagram thinks he knows about him. A new feature of WhatsApp, by contrast, puts an end to some embarrassment.

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