Andreed belongs to the malicious code of the adware type. The attackers do not try to steal the desired sensitive data through it, but they display excessive advertising on the attacked machine, from which they subsequently profit.
This is probably the main reason why this uninvited visitor on mobile devices is still so underestimated. In the media, more insidious threats, such as various extortion viruses, which lock all stored data and then demand a ransom for their access, are more often given space in the media.
However, security experts have long warned that while Andreed is not so devastating, its infection is certainly not without risk. “Through advertising, attackers can advertise fraudulent messages or link us to dangerous sites containing malware,” warned Martin Jirkal, head of the analytical team at the Prague branch of Eset.
Fareit continues to haunt. They are still attacking computers in the Czech Republic
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“They also use malicious advertising in larger and more sophisticated attacks as a means of manipulation. In such a campaign, the attackers also targeted Czech banks, for example. Using a new phishing technique, they tried to deceive smartphone users and make them install supposed updates for banking applications,” stated Jirkal.
Christmas wave
Andreed attacks in the Czech Republic in waves. It was evident between the beginning of the year and the spring, when this pest increased from 14.77% to 17.52%. But with the summer holidays came a drop to 13.44%, which continued to 11.54% in August.
The turning point occurred in September, when the share of adware increased again to 18.83%. According to the most recently published Eset data, in October the share of this uninvited visitor fell to 17.19%, but it is still one of the highest values in the whole of this year.
This is also evident when looking at other threats, for which the share is only in the lower percentage units. No other malware currently attacks more often within the Android platform, so it is definitely not worth underestimating it.
Evidently, we are now in the middle of a “Christmas offensive wave”. Cyberscammers are far more active before the holidays because they rely on people to be less cautious in the pre-Christmas rush.
At the same time, people most often install Andreed adware on their devices themselves, because it is often spread through fake applications on unofficial stores. In the past month, it was mainly about the game Car Parking Multiplayer, previously it was about the titles Mini Ninjas and Heroes of Might & Magic III.
How to defend PCs and mobiles against hackers?
Hackers are always looking for new ways to get into people’s computers. At the same time, they are increasingly trying to sneak malicious codes into mobile phones and tablets.
Cybercriminals try to get into mobile devices in practically the same way as into classic computers. They look for bugs in various applications and operating systems that would allow them to sneak an intruder into a foreign device.
Hackers also rely on users to underestimate the risks. Virtually everyone runs an antivirus program on classic computers, but this is not the case with mobile phones and tablets. So nothing stands in the way of computer hackers. We will advise you on how to protect individual devices.
Investment and Spotify. This is how attacks on Apple computers work
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The Festive Foe: How Andreed Adware is Ruining Christmas
Ah, the holiday season. A time of joy, giving, and… downloading dodgy apps on your phone? Yes, folks, it’s that time of year again when the cyber-scammers come out to play, and this time, they’re bringing their unwanted friend, Andreed adware, to the party.
(pauses for comedic effect)
You might think, "Adware? That’s not so bad, is it?" Well, think again, my friends. Andreed may not be as devastating as those ransomware nasties, but it’s still a pesky little devil that can cause more harm than just displaying a few unwanted ads on your phone. According to Martin Jirkal, head of the analytical team at Eset, "Through advertising, attackers can advertise fraudulent messages or link us to dangerous sites containing malware." Just what you need, another reason to worry about your online safety.
(chuckles)
And, it gets worse. These cyber-scammers are getting more sophisticated, using malicious advertising to manipulate us. They even targeted Czech banks, trying to deceive smartphone users into installing fake updates for banking apps. I mean, who needs a real Christmas miracle when you can just create a fake one, right?
(sarcastically) Oh, and did I mention that Andreed attacks come in waves? How festive! It’s like a digital tidal wave of unwanted ads and malware, crashing onto your phone just in time for the holiday season.
(deadpan) According to Eset’s data, Andreed was busy spreading its festive cheer throughout the year, but things got really out of hand in September, with a lovely 18.83% increase in adware attacks. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that this happened just in time for the holiday shopping season…
Now, I know what you’re thinking, "How can I protect myself from these scammers?" Well, it’s quite simple, really. Don’t be a Grinch; be cautious when downloading apps, especially from unofficial stores. And, for goodness’ sake, install an antivirus program on your phone! It’s not like you want to be the one responsible for spreading malware, do you?
(winks)
In conclusion, Andreed adware may not be the most exciting villain in the world of cyber-security, but it’s still a force to be reckoned with. So, stay vigilant, keep your wits about you, and don’t let these scammers ruin your holiday season. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year… to stay safe online!
signing off
Protecting Your Devices from Hackers: A Cheeky Guide
Ah, the perpetual conundrum of online safety. It’s like trying to keep your house tidy; no matter how hard you try, there’s always someone trying to find a way in. But fear not, dear readers, for I have some sage advice to share.
Firstly, don’t be a slob; keep your antivirus program up to date. It’s like having a bouncer at the door, keeping all the unwanted guests out. And, please, for the love of all things digital, be careful when downloading apps. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, if a stranger offers you a free app on the street, don’t take it. Unless it’s a free hug, then that’s okay. We all need a hug sometimes.
And finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good password. I mean, it’s not like you want to make it easy for hackers to get into your accounts, do you? (Just use a password manager, it’s like having a fancy lock on your door.)
There you have it, folks. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping those pesky hackers at bay. Happy holidays, and may your devices be merry and bright!
(laughs)
That’s all for now. Stay safe, and keep on laughing!
Andreed Adware: The Silent Threat Lurking in the Shadows
Belonging to the malicious code of the adware type, Andreed infiltrates mobile devices, bombarding users with excessive advertising, which generates profit for the attackers through click-throughs and impressions, without attempting to steal sensitive data.
Despite its seemingly harmless nature, Andreed poses a significant risk, as it can be used to disseminate fraudulent messages or direct users to websites infected with malware, thereby compromising device security, warns Martin Jirkal, head of the analytical team at Eset’s Prague branch.
Moreover, Andreed is often employed in sophisticated attacks as a means of manipulation, where attackers may use phishing techniques to deceive users into installing fake updates for banking applications, as seen in a recent campaign targeting Czech banks, according to Jirkal.
The Christmas Wave of Attacks
Andreed attacks have been occurring in waves throughout the Czech Republic, with a notable surge between the beginning of the year and spring, when its presence increased from 14.77% to 17.52%, followed by a decline during the summer holidays to 13.44% and 11.54% in August.
However, the trend reversed in September, with a significant increase to 18.83%, and although the share decreased to 17.19% in October, according to Eset’s latest data, it remains one of the highest values throughout the year, indicating a “Christmas offensive wave” of attacks.
During this time, cybercriminals exploit the pre-holiday rush, relying on users being less cautious, and often spread Andreed through fake applications on unofficial stores, such as the game Car Parking Multiplayer, which was the primary vector in the past month.
Protecting Devices from Hackers and Malware
As hackers continually seek new ways to infiltrate computers and mobile devices, it is essential to take proactive measures to defend against these threats, recognizing that mobile phones and tablets are equally vulnerable to attack as classic computers.
To safeguard against Andreed and other malware, users must remain vigilant, as cybercriminals often prey on the underestimated risks associated with mobile devices, frequently targeting application and operating system vulnerabilities to sneak malicious codes onto foreign devices.
