Hey guys,
Microsoft has issued a warning to over 1 billion Android users around the world about a new type of malware dubbed Dirty Stream. This flaw, if exploited, could grant hackers complete control over your device. Without going into too many technical details, Dirty Stream targets a component of the Android operating system that facilitates Inter-app communication and file sharing. By exploiting the vulnerability, hackers could gain access to sensitive information on the device.
Microsoft has identified malicious apps on the Play Store exploiting this vulnerability, with a combined install base exceeding 4 billion. Among the targeted apps, File Manager by Xiaomi boasts over 1 billion installs, and WPS Office, with 500 million installs, stands out. While patches have been released for these apps, they strongly advise uninstalling them immediately to mitigate potential risks.
How do you stay safe?
- Update or remove File Manager by Xiaomi and WPS Office (I recommend that you remove them)
- Regularly update your Android apps through the Google Play Store or other trusted sources. Updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities, so staying up to date can help protect your device from potential security risks.
- Only download and install apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store. Avoid downloading apps from third-party app stores or unfamiliar websites, as they may contain malicious software.
- Pay attention to the permissions requested by apps during installation. If an app requests unnecessary permissions or permissions that seem unrelated to its functionality, consider whether it’s safe to install.
- Keep reading the security tips and privacy alerts that I sent out on our blog at https://www.goincognito.co/privacy-news/
If you need further advice about this new threat, you can contact our privacy care team in the Incognito app 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sending you all the best,
Stephen McCormack
(AKA. Max Roberts :-))
PS. If you have five minutes, we’d appreciate it if you could leave us a review on the Google Play Store.