Cybersecurity Check Point discovered a new piece of Android malware called Gooligan that’s able to steal email addresses. More than 1 million Google accounts connected to older Android versions are at risk, but there’s a tool you can use to see if you’re one of them.
Users who downloaded Android apps containing the Googligan malware or who clicked on links in phishing messages are at risk. The software is able to access information in Gmail, Drive, and Photos, and the hackers can use the Google accounts to buy apps on the Google Play store and leave reviews for apps.
Check Point says that devices running Android 4.0 and Android 5.0 are at risk — that’s nearly 75% of Android users. The company developed an online tool that can help you check if your phone is infected with Gooligan. All you have to do is go to: gooligan.checkpoint.com, enter your Gmail address, and then find out if you’ve been hacked.
Some might dismiss it as a non-issue, but malware still affects plenty of Android devices. In July, the same security firm discovered a different malware that affected some 85 million Android phones. That malware strain was generating $300,000 per month in ad revenue, Business Insider notes.
The best way to defend yourself against malware is to avoid downloading apps from untrusted locations and stick to getting apps from the Google Play store if it’s available in your market. Clicking dubious links from emails and instant text messages is also not advised, as they may be phishing attacks targeting unsuspecting Android users.
Smith, Chris. “This Tool Tells You If Your Gmail Account Was Infected with Malware.” N.p., 30 Nov. 2016.
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