Android users! Your phone might be under secret attack - here's how to protect your device from Arsink malware

Sneha Kumari | Feb 08, 2026, 12:55 IST

Google warns Android users about Arsink, a stealthy malware disguised as “mod” apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube.

Freepik | Old Android Phones Are at High Risk from Arsink Malware<br>

Image credit : Freepik | Old Android Phones Are at High Risk from Arsink Malware

Imagine this: you are chilling, scrolling through Instagram or texting your bestie, and bam, you realise hackers are watching everything you do. Sounds like a plot from a cyber-thriller, right? But this is real life. Google just raised a major red flag about new malware called Arsink, and it's targeting Android users worldwide.

What makes Arsink so sneaky?

Arsink is not your typical virus. It's a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), basically a hacker's magic key to your phone. Once it is in, it can:

Peek at your messages.
Steal call logs.
Record your conversations.
Swipe files from your phone.

And most importantly, it hides behind apps you actually trust, like Google Drive, Firebase and Telegram, so normal security tools might not even notice it.

Image credit : Freepik | How to Protect Your Android from Arsink Malware and Spyware

But how does it get in?

You won't find Arsink in the Google Play Store. Hackers are clever; they disguise it as 'mod' or 'premium' versions of apps you like:

WhatsApp

Instagram

YouTube

They share malicious APK files in places like Telegram channels, Discord posts, and sketchy MediaFire links, making it look like a legit app or “premium mod”. But once you download them and approve permissions, Arsink activates and quietly takes over.

Arsink is everywhere and hard to spot

Cybersecurity experts at Zimperium also dropped some alarming stats: Arsink has already infected over 45000 devices in 143 countries, with hotspots in India, Indonesia, and Egypt.

Image credit : X | @VGTimes | Arsink Malware Alert

But here's how you can protect your device from this malware

Google is teaming up with security researchers to shut down the malicious Firebase and Google Apps Script links that hackers are using, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Turn on Google Play Protect: Make sure it's enabled in your Play Store settings so it can scan and block known Arsink threats, even from apps installed outside the store.
Avoid sideloading apps: skip 'mod', 'pro' or 'premium' APKs from Telegram, Discord, social media ads or random download sites.
Check app permissions regularly: Review which apps have access to your microphone, SMS, contacts and files. Remove anything that looks unfamiliar or unnecessary.
Update your phone: Install the latest Android security updates (including the February 2026 patch). Older Android versions are more vulnerable to this malware.
Delete suspicious apps immediately.
If an app behaves oddly or asks for too many permissions, uninstall it and run a security scan.

Image credit : X | @VGTimes | Arsink RAT Infects Over 45, 000 Devices Worldwide

Old Android phones are at major risk

Google isn't messing around; millions of older Android devices will never get updates again, which makes them super vulnerable to malware like Arsink. In fact, over a billion users are at risk right now, not sometime in the future. The takeaway? If your phone is outdated, it is basically a hacker's playground.

Experts and sources like Forbes are clear: upgrading to a newer device is the fastest way to stay safe from spyware and malware.

GENERAL

Sneha Kumari