Zscaler Research has warned users about an illegitimate Amazon app. (Photo : Reuters)
Security firm Zscaler Research has warned users about an illegitimate Amazon app while genuine apps for iOS devices were revealed to help consumers prepare for Black Friday.
A third-party app that was branded as having been made by Amazon became available for download for Android users.
At only 130KB, the fake Amazon app is much smaller than the actual Amazon underground app that is about 35MB, according to Yahoo!.
Likewise, the malicious Android app copies the Amazon app's icon and promises to give consumers exclusive, early access to Black Friday Deals on the e-commerce website.
When a user downloads the app, the software will ask for permission to allow the fake Amazon app to observe the device's call logs, text messages, browser history and contact information.
Moreover, the app called com.android.engine included in the third-party malware can have the ability to create texts and calls using the gadget.
While a user can simply delete the illegitimate Android Amazon app, the com.android.engine will remain in the device until the app is found. What makes removing the sneaky app difficult is that the com.android.engine malware has no icon included.
Zscaler Research is not entirely sure why someone would want the personal information of others using a fake Amazon app, but the security firm noted that people could use the data for ransom.
Android users have to be careful when they download an Amazon app as they have to be sure that the software is really the Amazon Underground app, which does not steal personal information. Consequently, Amazon offers free apps and games.
Meanwhile, there are authentic iOS apps that are useful for people who want to take advantage of Black Friday deals, according to eWEEK.
The free Amazon iOS app, for example, includes all of the products available on the e-commerce website and the app can even be used as a scanner to see the retail price of a product being compared to the online price.
For consumers who want more than what Amazon has to offer, the Black Friday 2015 Ads app lets users view several retail advertisements along with constant updates about the latest Black Friday deals.
If a consumer wants to participate during the Black Friday event but still wants to save money, an individual can get the TGI Black Friday 2015 app to see various available coupons.
Black Friday 2015 will happen on Nov. 27, Friday, and retail stores will be providing in-store and online deals.
