Lukas Stefanko, a malware researcher at Slovakia-based It-security company ESET, has tweeted a warning about a new Android-based spyware program being peddled through a website mimicking Google Play.
Calling itself "Viber Messenger," the Viber lookalike, described as a "Lite Chatting App," steals WhatsApp media and document files, WeChat media, all of your photos, files from your download directory, and a record of your phone calls. The fake even includes a "Most Secure Messenger" checkmark and shield logo, as well as "500 million downloads" and "4.3" rating icons similar to those found on the real Google Play.
ESET was given a headsup about the malware by a vigilant user, confirming its malicious nature after taking a look through the program's code.
Viber is a popular cross-platform instant messaging service with over 900 million registered users. The program is particularly possible in Russia, with 100 million registered Russian users.