Android device users can download or buy items from Google Play store app. However, it’s not all the apps are safe. Several malicious apps installed over 2 million times push intrusive ads to users, when your devices are infected. The app can steal your private information in your mobile phone or even auto-debit your bank account.
According to 《Bleeping Computer》, Dr.Web’s mobile threat report dated September 2023, the analysts identified trojans on Google Play associated with the ‘FakeApp,’ ‘Joker,’ and the ‘HiddenAds’ malware families.
What is malware and how does it work?
Malware is invasive code designed to infect, damage, or gain access to your device. Once victims install these apps on their devices, they hide by replacing their icons with that of Google Chrome or using a transparent icon image to create empty space in the app drawer.
These apps run stealthily in the background upon launch, abusing the browser to launch ads and generate revenue for their operators.
The analysts also discovered several apps belonging to the FakeApp family, which direct users to investment scam sites.
Among all, (HiddenAds) App is with the most downloads. Those apps disgused as games. One of the most popular game ” Super Skibydi Killer” with more than 1,000,000 download.
While several apps belonging to the FakeApp family, which direct users to investment scam sites. Some game apps also been spotted that loaded dubious online casino websites in violation of Google Play policies.
The following are 12 Apps that identified with trojan by Dr.Web:
1. Super Skibydi Killer（1 million downloads）
2. Agent Shooter（500k downloads）
3. Rubber Punch 3D（500k downloads）
4. Rainbow Stretch（50k downloads）
5. Eternal Maze（50k downloads）
6. Jungle Jewels （10k downloads）
7. Stellar Secrets（10k downloads）
8. Fire Fruits（10k downloads）
9. Cowboy’s Frontier（10k downloads）
10. Enchanted Elixir（10k downloads）
11. Love Emoji Messenger（50k downloads）
12. Beauty Wallpaper HD（1k downloads）
To date, all the apps presented in this report have been removed from Google Play. But users that installed these app in the past must delete the apps immediately and perform a device scan using antivirus tool.
Advice form Dr. Web:
To avoid downloading malicious software from Google Play, minimize the apps you install to the minimum required, carefully read user reviews, and perform checks to ensure the publisher is trustworthy.
Let’s check out the netizen’s comments:
▼ ” So, still iOS the best!”
▼ ” I’m one of the victims the incident just happened to me last month”
▼ Netizen : So, android better or iOS better?
Netizen: I think nothing is the best. Now it’s safe doesn’t mean you are safe forever.
Info via: Oriental Daily | Bleeping Computer
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