Armor for Android Fake Android Anti-Virus

A new Android-based anti-virus (AV) known as Armor for Android (AfA) has been observed on the Google Play Store. Despite appearing to be legitimate, it does not function as an AV product.

Threat ID:: CC-2364
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 10 May 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A new Android-based anti-virus (AV) known as Armor for Android (AfA) has been observed on the Google Play Store. Despite appearing to be legitimate, it does not function as an AV product.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions

Threat details

It will attempt to download further applications when installed.

AfA uses the VirusTotal site to obtain detection data from other AV vendors in an attempt to appear legitimate. This has allowed it to gain access to the Google Play Store, further gaining legitimacy, where it is now available to download.

Once installed on a device AfA will ask the user for full permissions. This is in line with other AV applications, however it will also ask the user to allow downloads from unknown sources, allowing AfA to install another version of itself that will charge the user $1.99 a week. It may also install other unknown applications alongside this.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	Users should only install applications from trusted sources on their devices. Consider implementing a mobile application whitelist or preventing installation of mobile applications completely. Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection, ensure that: A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

Users should only install applications from trusted sources on their devices.
Consider implementing a mobile application whitelist or preventing installation of mobile applications completely.

Additionally, to prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:38 pm