Netflix, such disguised Android malware spreads via WhatsApp

Netflix

A new Android malware has been unearthed on the Google Play Store, so Android users are at risk if they don't pay due attention. Posing as the Netflix app, the dangerous software is capable of performing a variety of malicious activities such as stealing data and credentials. Mainly spread via WhatsApp, the worm is able to spread automatically after downloading. Here's how to spot it.

New malware spreading dangerously on Android smartphones has been discovered by security researchers at Check Point Research, the threat intelligence division of Check Point Software Technologies. The virus for Android camouflages itself among the apps of the Google Play Store, pretending to be the application of Netflix, a well-known video streaming service.

This malware was designed to act like a worm, that is, to spread from a device to another . The unfortunate user who clicks on the download link is led to download an additional malware that generates an unpleasant chain reaction. The software is capable of:

Spreading additional malware via malicious links Stealing credentials and data from WhatsApp accounts Sharing fake or dangerous messages to WhatsApp contacts and groups This malware is able to respond to incoming messages from your victims, by submitting a download link and the following message:

“2 months free of Netflix Premium due to Coronavirus lockdown * Get 2 months of Netflix Premium free worldwide for 60 days. Click HERE [download link] ”.

Malware acts by pretending to be on the Google Play Store for the Netflix app that will be downloaded by the unfortunate, thinking of installing the famous streaming application for movies and TV series on their device. Once installed on the smartphone, the malware begins to "listen" to new WhatsApp notifications and responds independently to each message received by forwarding a predefined message with download link.

This fake Netlfix app is very dangerous in how much it is able to steal login credentials to various websites and credit card information of distracted users that will end up in its clutches.

“CPR found malware hidden in an app on Google Play called “FlixOnline”. The application turned out to be a fake service that promised users to view Netflix content from around the world on their mobile phones. However, instead, the app was actually designed to monitor a user's WhatsApp notifications, to send automatic replies to incoming messages, using the content it receives from a remote server "writes CPR in the press release.

Obviously it is fair to point out that WhatsApp is in no way responsible for the spread of malware, as the app accesses the service after being installed and having received the permissions from the user.

Our advice is therefore to uninstall the FlixOnline app immediately in case you are among the people who have fallen into this trap and to always check that the links sent to you by trusted contacts are reliable. Furthermore, it is a good idea to never install additional additional apps proposed by your applications if the download of the latter is not proposed through the Google Play Store.

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Prince Harry's Invictus Games Gets New Date — Just in Time for His Upcoming Netflix Series

© Provided by People Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince Harry

Prince Harry can get his cameras rolling!

Just one day after he and Meghan Markle announced their first Netflix documentary series focusing on the Duke of Sussex's Invictus Games, a new date for the next event has been announced.

The latest round of the games will take place in The Hague in the Netherlands from April 16-22 in 2022, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

The games for wounded, sick and injured veterans and armed forces members have already been postponed twice amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Harry – and the teams taking part from around the world – can move ahead in preparing for the next Invictus Games.

© Provided by People Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Prince Harry

Organizers in The Hague are expecting more than 500 participants from 20 countries to take part in 10 adaptive sports events. The safety and well-being of the participants always come first, with a focus on their recovery, the Invictus Games Foundation says.

© Karwai Tang/WireImage Prince Harry

Next year's event will mark the fifth Invictus Games and will still be referred to as the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 – noting the date when it was originally set to take place.

RELATED: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Exit Is Being Turned Into Another Lifetime Movie

As the contestants prepare for the games, which first took place in London in 2014, Harry and Meghan's Archewell Productions will film a docuseries called Heart of Invictus for Netflix. 

'Since the very first Invictus Games back in 2014, we knew that each competitor would contribute in their own exceptional way to a mosaic of resilience, determination, and resolve,' Prince Harry said in a statement on Tuesday. 'This series will give communities around the world a window into the moving and uplifting stories of these competitors on their path to the Netherlands next year.'

RELATED: Prince Harry Makes Disappointing Video Announcement as His Invictus Games Have Been Canceled Again

© Provided by People Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry at an Invictus Games event

On Wednesday, Mart de Kruif, chairman of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, added of the latest incarnation of the games, 'We still strive to deliver a safe, surprising and impactful Games. It looks like this should be possible in 2022, and we look forward to hosting them.'

© Provided by People Karwai Tang/WireImage

'It was of course a big disappointment that the Invictus Games could not take place, but also understandable in the current situation. All the hard work and efforts of the organization and our partners are very valuable and form a good basis for an even more beautiful event in 2022. As an organization we also want to show our own resilience and the Invictus Spirit.'

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'Now that we have a date to focus on, we and the competitors can set new goals and our Invictus family will show its strength to the world in 2022,' he added.