Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Technology / News/  New Harly malware infects devices, after Joker: Here's how to secure your device
BackBack

New Harly malware infects devices, after Joker: Here's how to secure your device

The Harly malware is designed to target users by signing up their accounts with paid subscriptions without their knowledge. Once it arrives on a device, Harly will secretly sign it up for expensive subscriptions which will eventually get added to users’ monthly phone bill.

Harly is capable of doing all this via a users’ mobile data connection after disconnecting the device from Wi-Fi.Premium
Harly is capable of doing all this via a users’ mobile data connection after disconnecting the device from Wi-Fi.

Harly, a new malware has been infecting devices via Google Play installs, as per a report by MakeUseOf. This malware is named after Harley Quinn, the Joker’s fictional girlfriend from the DC Comics universe. Earlier, the Joker malware was making rounds. The difference between these two malware is that while the Joker malware needed to download the malicious code after landing on the device via legitimate looking apps, the Harly malware carries the malicious code with it and does not depend on being remotely controlled.

How Harly works: Details

This Harly malware is designed to target users by signing up their accounts with paid subscriptions without their knowledge. Once it arrives on a device, Harly will secretly sign it up for expensive subscriptions which will eventually get added to users’ monthly phone bill.

Activating subscriptions to various services can usually be done via SMS verification and phone calls to an automated number and the malware takes advantage of it. The Trojan subscriber workers by opening hidden windows and entering sign-up details and also by intercepting SMS messages to get a hold of the verification codes. It can also make phone calls, says the report.

Harly is capable of doing all this via a users’ mobile data connection after disconnecting the device from Wi-Fi. According to Kaspersky, about 190 different Android apps have been found containing the Harly malware and an estimate puts the downloads at least 4.8 million.

For now, Harly is only configured to work with local Thai telecoms providers but its reach may expand, warns the report.

How to stay safe from Harly malware:

Step 1 Check the reviews of apps before downloading them from Play Store. If the app is fraudulent, then the people who installed it first and got in danger will usually warn others in the reviews and by giving low ratings. So, keep a lookout for reviews and low ratings on the Play Store.

Step 2 Do not install apps you do not actually need to reduce the risk of getting your device infected.

Step 3 Put a sending limit on your phone bill if possible. This way, there is a lower chance of subscription services charging you.

Step 4 Protect your device with a paid antivirus solution.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Technology News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
More Less
Published: 03 Oct 2022, 04:29 PM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App