Fake Adobe Flash Player Apps Spread Malware to Android Devices

Even as Adobe came to the decision of stopping the distribution of the Adobe Flash Player for Android through Google Play to new users, a number of hackers have reportedly come in to meet the demand. Adobe stopped the distribution of the Adobe Flash Player for Android devices starting August 15 after the company found out that devices that do not have the software installed have become more incompatible with it.

It also indicated on a blog post that it will not be available anymore on Google Play starting August 15. The Adobe AIR has been offered in place of the Adobe Flash Player since it gives developers the capability of creating one application that can be used in a number of devices and platforms.

According to Jovi Umawing of GFI Software, it may be possible for a number of Android users to not have seen the notice and are looking for the software in other download sites. A number of websites were reportedly found to be offering fake Flash Player downloads. A guide was even offered to users that will root their Android devices in order to install the malware. The real Flash Player application did not require this.

The fake Flash Player applications carry premium SMS Trojans which send three SMS messages to the premium service created by the author of the malware, which would charge Android users at least $8.

Joe McManus of Webroot indicated that Adobe Flash has become one of the methods used by malware authors in luring innocent Android users to install the malware. A number of other methods have been used in the past.

McManus added that Android users should properly select the applications that they want to download into their devices. Looking into the background of the developer as well as checking reviews and verifying permissions requested before it is downloaded is a good way of doing this.