MyEtherWallet Fake Google Play App
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On July 2nd, 2020, an attacker successfully uploaded a fake version of the MyEtherWallet application into the Google Play store. The fake application was downloaded 200 times. It's unknown if any funds were lost.
This is a global/international case not involving a specific country.
About MyEtherWallet
"MEW (MyEtherWallet) is a free, client-side interface helping you interact with the Ethereum blockchain. Our easy-to-use, open-source platform allows you to generate wallets, interact with smart contracts, and so much more."
"Taylor Manahan and Kosala Hemachandra founded MEW (MyEtherWallet) back in 2015, not long after Ethereum was created."
"Fake and malicious Ethereum MEW MyEtherWallet on GooglePlay store."
"I have to check it before few days ago I see a pop up notification on the Mew Official mobile application to download another mew app. And I downloaded app for checking."
"[I]t's been downloaded more than 200 times already, I'm afraid that someone will really fall for this scam trick as lately, Ethereum wallets numbers are growing and it's the reason why hackers are targeting them to lure crypto enthusiast."
"Rating 4-5 does look fake and is indeed done by the maker of this fake wallet. we must report and mark this application as a malicious application that can steal user data." "Rating reviews can be faked very easy, and even in this forum you can find people that provide similar services."
This is a global/international case not involving a specific country.
The background of the exchange platform, service, or individuals involved, as it would have been seen or understood at the time of the events.
Include:
- Known history of when and how the service was started.
- What problems does the company or service claim to solve?
- What marketing materials were used by the firm or business?
- Audits performed, and excerpts that may have been included.
- Business registration documents shown (fake or legitimate).
- How were people recruited to participate?
- Public warnings and announcements prior to the event.
Don't Include:
- Any wording which directly states or implies that the business is/was illegitimate, or that a vulnerability existed.
- Anything that wasn't reasonably knowable at the time of the event.
There could be more than one section here. If the same platform is involved with multiple incidents, then it can be linked to a main article page.
The Reality
This sections is included if a case involved deception or information that was unknown at the time. Examples include:
- When the service was actually started (if different than the "official story").
- Who actually ran a service and their own personal history.
- How the service was structured behind the scenes. (For example, there was no "trading bot".)
- Details of what audits reported and how vulnerabilities were missed during auditing.
What Happened
The specific events of the loss and how it came about. What actually happened to cause the loss and some of the events leading up to it.
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 2nd, 2020 3:10:43 PM | First Event | This is an expanded description of what happened and the impact. If multiple lines are necessary, add them here. |
Total Amount Lost
The total amount lost is unknown.
How much was lost and how was it calculated? If there are conflicting reports, which are accurate and where does the discrepancy lie?
Immediate Reactions
How did the various parties involved (firm, platform, management, and/or affected individual(s)) deal with the events? Were services shut down? Were announcements made? Were groups formed?
Ultimate Outcome
What was the end result? Was any investigation done? Were any individuals prosecuted? Was there a lawsuit? Was any tracing done?
Total Amount Recovered
It is unknown how much was recovered.
What funds were recovered? What funds were reimbursed for those affected users?
Ongoing Developments
What parts of this case are still remaining to be concluded?
Prevention Policies
Cryptocurrency users need to always make sure that they are accessing any downloads directly on the official website. Unless infeasible, it's safer to transfer only a small wallet to any newly downloaded software, and wait prior to moving any significant sums over. (Malicious wallet developers typically sweep funds soon after any deposit is made.) Most blockchain updates are backwards compatible. It's a good idea to always ask trusted friends if you receive news of an update. Never make a rushed decision to download any new wallet software. Store most of your funds offline on a hardware wallet or paper copy, with a backup seed phrase, and set up a multi-sig if you have the technical knowledge to do so properly.
References
[Scam] Fake MEW MyEtherWallet Malicious app (Jan 18)
Is MyEtherwallet Safe to use in 2021? [Security & Safety Info] (Jan 18)