The Netflix series “Squid Game” is on everyone’s lips. Cybercriminals also like to take advantage of exaggeration. A security expert clarifies the situation when asked by Spot on News.
There is no more popular series than “Squid Game” at this time. 456 candidates are competing in deadly games produced by Netflix to win incredible prize money. The gruesome series between drama, thriller and survival was a huge success for the streaming service. Cybercriminals also like to use this hype.
Lucas Stefanco, a senior malware researcher at ESET, a security software maker, recently spoke. Unofficial Wallaper application for “Squid Game” on Google Play Indicates which variant of the Joker malware was distributed. The Joker can read different data and record victims, for example, with paid services. When asked by the Spot on News Agency, Stephenko explains why criminals rely on “squid games”, how the situation can develop, and what users should focus on.
“Cybercriminals have a keen eye on current trends in popular series, movies, video games or special events. They know exactly what’s going on and use countless search queries from users to spread their malicious applications,” the security expert explains. . The “Fortnite” game, the social network “Clubhouse” or Covid-19 have in the past been used to distribute malware through unofficial applications.
Criminals “The most successful of these are shown by the download numbers in the relevant app stores, which quickly reach five or six digit numbers”. It is “financially very profitable” for fraudsters. The “Squid Game” apps already mentioned will not be the last in the series to deceive users.
“Currently we see more than 200 different apps related to ‘squid game’ on Google Play alone,” explains Stefanco. In the case of third-party providers, “the number is many times higher”. “Even serious app developers want to profit financially from the current exaggeration. It’s very difficult to separate the wheat from the soup here.” Eset expects, for example, that “apps based on Squid Game’s second season will appear soon and will attract users to download it”.
Advised to be cautious
The aforementioned wallpaper application is no longer available in the official store. “We assume that there will be many free riders who bring malware on devices with malicious applications, steal sensitive data or enrich themselves with in-app sales. However, Google Play’s detection practices filter out malicious applications very quickly,” says Stepanco. However, users need to be careful. The expert advises you to be careful before downloading.
Fans “should look very carefully at which app they are downloading. Often, other users’ testimonials help here. Requested permissions for apps on the device are also an important indicator. Simple wallpaper application does not require access to the contact list or other important parts of the smartphone.” Users can check which functions or data the app wants to access on Android and iOS devices.
In the settings of the Android smartphone, users will see a sub-item called “Applications” or “Applications & Notifications”. The applications installed on the device are listed here. After tapping the corresponding application, in “Permissions”, users can see what the program wants to access. On iOS devices, users can find applications and their authorizations under “Settings” and “Data Security”.
Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.