Amazon Fire users warned of chilling app that’s secretly spying on them by recording their screen and snooping on texts
CREEPY spyware disguised as a health app has been discovered on the Amazon Appstore.
Amazon Fire users have been warned not to download an application called ‘BMI Calculation Vsn’ as it is programmed to steal data.
The dodgy app was discovered by McAfee Labs researchers who raised the alarm to Amazon.
The spyware was removed from the store, but those who installed the app will need to manually remove it and perform a full scan to ensure it’s all clear.
The app then asks users for permission to “start recording or casting”, giving the options of “cancel or start now”.
It also provides a chunk of text which reads: “BMI Calculation will have access to all of the information that is visible on your screen or played from your device while recording or casting.
“This includes information such as passwords, payment details, photos, messages and audio that you play.”
The app was first released on October 8, but by the end of the month it had changed its icon, certificate information and added more functions.
The spyware also has access to SMS messages sent and stored on the device – including one-time passwords.
The Amazon Appstore is a third-party shop for Android devices that comes pre-loaded on Amazon Fire tablets and Fire TV.
It also offers Amazon Prime games and content and acts as an alternative to Google Play.
The BMI Calculatoin Vsn app, which was published by ‘PT Visionet Data Internasional’ was sold as a tool for users to work out their body mass index (BMI).
This comes after users of illegally modified Fire Sticks used to stream premium TV have been warned they could be hacked by spies.
Police have undertaken a huge crackdown on illegal streaming of Sky channels and Premier League games this past year.
Last month, a huge operation spanning multiple European countries saw the closure of a network used by 22million people.
Five addresses in the UK were raided as part of the effort against piracy.
One hundred domains have been taken offline as a result.
Illegal streaming platforms often have ties to organised crime.
While much of the police action has targeted distributors, experts have repeatedly warned that users risk being hit by devastating consequences.
Illegal streaming networks can be a hive of malware that could allow cyber criminals to raid your accounts.