A dangerous virus could infiltrate your phone disguised as a porn app; the government has issued an alert—here’s how to stay safe..

The government has issued a warning to Android smartphone users regarding a serious cyber fraud. The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has alerted the public about dangerous apps being promoted via advertisements on Facebook and Instagram under the guise of pornography apps.

According to the government, downloading these apps poses a risk of banking and other sensitive information being stolen from the user's phone.
**Starts with Facebook and Instagram Ads**

In its advisory (TAU/ADV/018) issued on August 26, the NCTAU identified several suspicious apps. These include names such as Night Play, Reloop, Kyss, Vimo, Rivo, Nexo, and Vixa.

Advertisements for these apps may appear on Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Upon clicking the ad, users are typically redirected to a website that prompts them to download an APK file. These websites often use '.live' domains.

The primary risk is that these APKs are downloaded from sources outside the Google Play Store.

**Malware Can Gain Control of the Phone**
Once installed, the app may download an additional package by claiming it is an update. It might then request accessibility permissions for the phone.
If the user grants these permissions, cybercriminals could gain the ability to view the phone screen, tap on it, and perform other actions.
This access can be exploited to steal OTPs, PINs, and other sensitive information, as well as to execute unauthorized financial transactions.
Some versions may also install a VPN on the phone, potentially routing the user's internet traffic through servers controlled by the attackers. In some instances, the malware may even prevent itself from being easily uninstalled.

**How ​​to Stay Safe?**
The government advises users to download apps exclusively from the Google Play Store or trusted app stores. Users should avoid installing apps by clicking on APK links received via Facebook, Instagram, SMS, or unknown websites. Avoid granting accessibility permissions to unknown apps. Keep Google Play Protect enabled on your phone and ensure that Android and other software are updated regularly.

Additionally, monitor your bank account and UPI transactions. If a suspicious app has been installed on your phone and cannot be deleted normally, you can restart the phone in Safe Mode, navigate to Settings > Apps, and uninstall it. If the malware reappears, performing a factory reset can be used as a last resort.

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