If you downloaded a fake Netflix app on your phone, delete it right now

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If you have been trying to watch Netflix for free around the internet, you ought to stop that now especially on your phone. Sources have reported that there's an Android malware in disguise as a fake Netflix app called FlixOnline from the Google Play Store. 

Discovered by a team from Check Point Research, what FlixOnline does is promising users to watch Netflix for free on their phones but with a hidden catch. If the user grants permission to the app, then “the malware is capable of automatically replying to victims’ incoming WhatsApp messages with a payload received from a command-and-control (C&C) server. This unique method could have enabled threat actors to distribute phishing attacks, spread false information or steal credentials and data from users’ WhatsApp accounts, and more”.

By using your WhatsApp, it would send a suspicious spam message that reads “2 Months of Netflix Premium Free at no cost For REASON OF QUARANTINE (CORONA VIRUS)* Get 2 Months of Netflix Premium Free anywhere in the world for 60 days. Get it now HERE". Obviously, this is a trap but if anyone clicks on it, the malware will then infect the other user's phone, stealing WhatsApp data and spreading fake or threatening
messages to all the contacts.

Thankfully, Google has already taken it down from the Google Play store but it took them two months after being notified. So even though it's gone, the malware is still online somewhere on anyone who unfortunately granted permission or clicking on the spam message. It's best to just delete the app and clear the cache once and for all. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.