The apocalyptic Korean series is expected to become Netflix’s most popular show of all time.
Cybercriminals are scrambling to cash in on unwary fans of Netflix’s hyper-violent blockbuster Korean series as the “Squid Game” craze sweeps the globe. According to the Sun, a cybersecurity expert noticed that an app for Singapore-themed wallpaper available on the Google Play Store was infecting people’s phones with pernicious spyware.
“Seems like a wonderful opportunity to generate money off one of the most popular TV shows without having to build an official game,” tweeted Lukas Stefanko, a malware researcher at the security firm ESET, who purportedly discovered the software in the act.
Hundreds of applications based on the blockbuster hit series were available, including the reportedly menacing “Squid Game Wallpaper 4K HD.” When the Trojan horse is downloaded, it infects Android devices with Joker malware, which allows hackers to sign you up for premium services from which they can benefit.
Stefanko had Tweeted that digital swindlers were using the app to conduct “malicious ad-fraud and/or unwanted SMS subscription actions,” meaning that compromised devices could be inundated with unwanted advertisements via text message.
The cybercrime fighter alerted Google to the scheme, but it had already been downloaded a whopping 5,000 times by the time they deleted it. Unfortunately, “Squid Game” fans who installed the application before its deletion from Google Play continue to be at risk from malware. Techsperts advise people to remove the app immediately to nullify the threat.
Stefanko had tweeted that digital con artists were using the software to engage in “malicious ad-fraud and/or unsolicited SMS subscription acts,” implying that infected smartphones might be bombarded with unwelcome text messages. The cybercrime fighter alerted Google about the plan, but by the time they removed it, it had already been downloaded 5,000 times.
Fans of “Squid Game” who downloaded the game before it was removed from Google Play are still in danger of being infected with malware. Experts advise users to delete the software right away to eliminate the threat. According to Stefanko, Google Play has 200 apps based on “Squid Game,” which is being billed as Netflix’s most popular show ever, with the most popular receiving 1 million downloads in just ten days.
Unfortunately, the show’s detrimental impact may extend beyond the digital realm. According to psychologists, the dystopian series may obstruct young children’s “social and emotional development,” leading them to turn a blind eye or even join in when others are attacked.
Following reports of kids playing a dangerous “Squid Game“-inspired punching game, a Belgian school issued a warning earlier this month.
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