{"id":211142,"date":"2025-03-24T21:01:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T04:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=211142"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T00:46:56","slug":"new-android-malware-sneaks-past-security-by-pretending-to-be-real-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/mobile-security\/new-android-malware-sneaks-past-security-by-pretending-to-be-real-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"New Android Malware Sneaks Past Security by Pretending to Be Real Apps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cybercriminals are getting smarter. They\u2019re now using a development toolkit called <\/span>.NET MAUI<\/span><\/b> to create fake apps that look and feel like the real thing\u2014banking apps, dating apps, and even social media. But instead of helping you, these apps secretly steal your private info.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We break down the full research from McAfee Labs<\/a> here:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is .NET MAUI and Why Should You Care?<\/h2>\n

.NET MAUI is a tool used by developers to build apps that work on many devices\u2014like phones, tablets, and computers\u2014all from one set of code.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s great for app creators. But now, <\/span>hackers are using it too<\/span><\/b>. While McAfee is able to detect this malware, the decision to build with .NET MAUI helps hide their dangerous code from most antivirus software. Think of it like a thief wearing an invisibility cloak\u2014unless you\u2019re really looking, you won\u2019t see them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How These Fake Apps Trick You<\/h2>\n

1. They Look Legit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hackers are creating apps that look like they\u2019re from real companies. For example, one fake app pretended to be <\/span>IndusInd Bank<\/span><\/b>, asking users to enter sensitive information like:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n