Fortnite’s fake version installs malware on Android devices

Hackers are eager to make use of Fortnite's craze – have been pushing the fake Android version

The popular Fortnite game is still not released for Android devices. Cybercriminals are fast to abuse game's fame and implement unwanted or malicious software on the devices

The Battle Royale genre is on the rise, and Fortnite is at the top of it. The game was first released in July 2017 and grew in popularity ever since. By February 2018, it obtained 3.4 million players and 45 million total players worldwide.^[1] Therefore, it is not surprising that cybercriminals want to abuse the fame of the game by using its name to induce malware installation.

Fortnite is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, Play Station 4, and iOS devices which was released in March 2018 after closed beta.^[2] Nevertheless, the eager Android players are still waiting for the release. Although the game authors, Epic Games, announced that Android version is coming in summer 2018, no exact official date is released yet.

However, due to a large amount of fake information online, gamers have been actively searching for terms “how to install Fortnite on Android” or “how to download Fortnite on Android.” Surprisingly or not, over 9,180,000 results are offering it.

Malware is being installed through fake links offering APK downloads

There are plenty of YouTube videos spreading malicious links to third-party websites, blog posts, as well as shady “tutorial” sites offering fake APK downloads. Certain video tutorials include links that offer downloading additional applications, such as video players, file converters, and similar. Nevertheless, these bogus APKs can conceal any kind of code, such as data wipers, cryptocurrency miners,^[3] adware programs, ransomware, etc.

Lukas Stefanko, a security researcher from Eset, tweeted^[4] the following:

Millions of views on YouTube for fake “How to install Fortnite on Android” videos including links to actual APK files. Don't install #Fortnite for Android, it's all fake or malicious! Official app is not released yet. They mostly generate revenue for developers.

Avoid dangerous malware and wait till Epic Games release official Android version of Fortnite

Cybercrooks have been abusing many impactful names, such as YouTube, Amazon, Facebook^[5] – all to trick users into installing malware or bogus software, as well as stealing sensitive information to gain monetary benefit. Fortnite is just another huge name that thieves want to abuse to get some money.

Thus, users who constantly keep looking for Fortnite Android APK download should calm down and wait for its official release. Overall, downloading apps from third-party sites is never recommended, as it can often include viruses or scams.

Users should also be careful of a fake Fortnite version slipping into Google Play – merely wait till Epic Games release its version officially.

Of course, the caution online is the key, but we would also suggest users download and install reputable anti-malware software with real-time protection feature that could block potential threats, even after accidentally opening a malicious file.