Kaspersky experts have discovered a recently found virus named SparkCat that is spreading through the App Store and Google Play, infecting seemingly safe apps. This malware is concerning because it can analyze images and decipher text from the mobile gallery, allowing access to sensitive information like passwords and credit card details from screenshots without the user’s awareness.
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- SparkCat is distributed via fraudulent applications that appear to be genuine services.
- The virus utilizes AI to scan text within images and extract passwords from screenshots.
- It is challenging to detect and can impact users globally, as it is a typical permission request.
Users are being frightened by the SparkCat Virus.
SparkCat operates stealthily by requesting access to the photo gallery, a common practice among many legitimate apps, and employs an OCR system to detect keywords like usernames and passwords. Once the information is deciphered, it is sent to the perpetrators.
According to Kaspersky expert Sergey Puzan, the SparkCat virus has been discovered in various apps, including messaging platforms and AI helpers, posing a significant threat due to its ability to deceive users until it’s too late.
Researcher Dmitry Kalinin cautioned that identifying this virus is challenging as it lacks clear symptoms and can remain undetected in a cell for months, gathering data without the victim’s knowledge.
SparkCat primarily targets users in Europe, Asia, and the United Arab Emirates. However, it has also been detected in other countries, including Portuguese-speaking regions. The virus can pose a threat to any user who stores passwords or financial information in screenshots, as it can recognize multiple languages.
The expert advises against downloading unfamiliar apps, checking app permissions, and keeping mobile antivirus updated. It may be wise to reconsider the habit of saving important information in print to avoid falling prey to SparkCat.