In the case of Sockbot malware, Android users could’ve avoided infection if they only downloaded applications from the makers of Minecraft themselves.
However, with millions of devices already impacted, it’s important Android users keep these tips in mind: And so far, its recruited quite a few soldiers, as its been reported that 2.6 million devices have been hit already.įortunately, these apps have been flagged to Google, who quickly removed them from their official app store. But instead of generating revenue, Sockbot created a SOCKS proxy, which is basically a gateway between a local network (e.g., all the devices in one building) and a larger-scale network, in order to enslave devices into a botnet army. Some apps were found connected to a command-and-control server (C&C) that supplied the apps with a list of ads and metadata to launch ad requests. At first, it was thought that the apps were originally aimed at generating illegitimate ad revenue. Once downloaded, however, the apps’ true intentions come out. They are not official Minecraft apps but instead offer “skins” which can be used to modify the appearance of in-game characters. Basically, the infected apps posed as add-on functionality for the popular Minecraft: Pocket Edition (PE) game. These apps managed to sneak their way onto Google Play through the art of deception. These eight apps have been designed to enslave the devices that download them into a botnet army, and have impacted almost 2.6 million devices already. Just this week, cybersecurity researchers discovered Minecraft Android apps in the Google Play store that have been infected with Sockbot malware. It’s become so popular, in fact, that there’s even mobile app versions of the game.Īnd now malicious versions of these apps exist too. That’s why the video game Minecraft, which allows players to build constructions out of textured cubes, has grown in popularity. We all love a good game, especially those that allow us to create and innovate with the touch of our fingertips.
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