![How to Avoid Getting Caught by the Android 'FlyTrap' Malware](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_675,pg_1,q_80,w_1200/4be367ef89c1a5979d0d15de46f62955.jpg)
Android users beware! A new trojan malware has infected thousands of smartphones around the world, stealing personal data from users and compromising their Facebook accounts.AdvertisementA recent report by Zimperiums zLab security team on mobile security shows that FlyTrap, a new trojan, infected more than 10,000 devices in at most 144 countries. It can be used to collect personal data such as:Location dataIP addressesEmail addressesFacebook IDs, cookies and login tokens.Hackers can then take over the user's Facebook account and send more phishing messages to their contacts via direct message or posts. They may also send links that hide other, more dangerous malware.FlyTrap was discovered by zLabs researchers to be a malware group based out of Vietnam. This group distributes malware in multiple ways including through apps they created and published on Google Play and other third-party Android stores.G/O Media may be eligible for a commission. Big Spoon CBD Oil Sleep Oil - Vanilla Cream. Get the best sleep of your livesGet a boost of 5-HTP, Chamomile and GABA, LTheanine, Lemon balm, and Valerian Root for just $41 at Sunday Scaries. Use the promo code CBDDAYHackers have also launched attacks with fake ads that promise free Netflix codes, Google AdWords coupons or tickets to a soccer game. The app will prompt users to log in to their Facebook accounts to receive the free offer.AdvertisementThese fake ads do not use fake login pages to phish account information. The ads instead use jаvascript injection to steal the person's Facebook data. This works regardless of whether the legitimate Facebook login page or any other website login page is used.FlyTrap is a serious threat because it can spread quickly to multiple users via seemingly legitimate links or apps. Although the malware is being used primarily to steal personal information, it could also be used in other ways such as to facilitate large-scale ransomware distributions.AdvertisementHow to protect yourself from the FlyTrap trojanIn response to zLabs' report, Google has already removed malicious apps from its Play Store. The apps are now inactive on all devices that have installed them. They may be still available on third-party websites. Zimperiums does not name the apps that are causing problems.AdvertisementMalicious ads are still out there, so Android users must take precautions to protect their devices. These are some quick tips.Anti-virus and anti-malware apps are recommendedDon't grant permissions to apps that aren't necessaryAvoid downloading unknown apps from Google Play Store. Also, ensure that you thoroughly review any apps you install.Don't click on untrue links. Beware of similar scams and offers that seem too good to be true.Don't give your Facebook account information to anyone or third-party apps.Log into Facebook (and any other social media platforms) only through the official app/website. Never when you are prompted by an email, ad or another app.Advertisement[ZDNet]