Be careful what you download. That’s the take away message from Trend Micro, a global security software company that is warning Android users not to download what appear to be Super Mario Run APK files.
Trend Micro explains that third-party developers are cloaking malware and advertisments by taking advantage of Super Mario Run’s popularity. Unlike Super Plumber Run, a legitimate Android app that resembles Super Mario Run, these malicious apps often come with unwarranted extras like pop ups, ads, and the installations of other apps. If users click on any of them, they are redirected to adult sites or malicious sites.
Some of these apps masquerade under the ‘Super Mario’ moniker, and have the ability to take full control over basic smart phone functions such as sending texts and taking photos. They may ask users to install an update which requests access to audio recording and the phone’s SD card.
To prevent malware infection, Trend Micro advises users to avoid any third-party apps claiming to be unofficial or unreleased apps, and instead stick to the Google Play Store.
Super Mario Run is expected to release for Android devices next year. It was released on iOS first due to stability reasons.
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