Several Android apps have been found to contain malware that is charging users without their consent, according to a Russian security firm.
According to the report, 28 Android apps with malware have been downloaded ten million times collectively.
These apps are:
- Photo Editor: Beauty Filter (gb.artfilter.tenvarnist)
- Photo Editor: Retouch & Cutout (de.nineergysh.quickarttwo)
- Photo Editor: Art Filters (gb.painnt.moonlightingnine)
- Photo Editor – Design Maker (gb.twentynine.redaktoridea)
- Photo Editor & Background Eraser (de.photoground.twentysixshot)
- Photo & Exif Editor (de.xnano.photoexifeditornine)
- Photo Editor – Filters Effects (de.hitopgop.sixtyeightgx)
- Photo Filters & Effects (de.sixtyonecollice.cameraroll)
- Photo Editor : Blur Image (de.instgang.fiftyggfife)
- Photo Editor : Cut, Paste (de.fiftyninecamera.rollredactor)
- Emoji Keyboard: Stickers & GIF (gb.crazykey.sevenboard)
- Neon Theme Keyboard (com.neonthemekeyboard.app)
- Neon Theme – Android Keyboard (com.androidneonkeyboard.app)
- Cashe Cleaner (com.cachecleanereasytool.app)
- Fancy Charging (com.fancyanimatedbattery.app)
- FastCleaner: Cashe Cleaner (com.fastcleanercashecleaner.app)
- Call Skins – Caller Themes (com.rockskinthemes.app)
- Funny Caller (com.funnycallercustomtheme.app)
- CallMe Phone Themes (com.callercallwallpaper.app)
- InCall: Contact Background (com.mycallcustomcallscrean.app)
- MyCall – Call Personalization (com.mycallcallpersonalization.app)
- Caller Theme (com.caller.theme.slow)
- Caller Theme (com.callertheme.firstref)
- Funny Wallpapers – Live Screen (com.funnywallpapaerslive.app)
- 4K Wallpapers Auto Changer (de.andromo.ssfiftylivesixcc)
- NewScrean: 4D Wallpapers (com.newscrean4dwallpapers.app)
- Stock Wallpapers & Backgrounds (de.stockeighty.onewallpapers)
- Notes – reminders and lists (com.notesreminderslists.app)
In its monthly report, Dr. Web, a Russia-based IT solutions provider, revealed that the trojans appeared in mobile apps such as photo editors, wallpaper downloaders, keyboards, and more.
Since most apps are hidden in plain sight, users don’t consider deleting them. To achieve this, they changed their app’s icon to look more like a simple smartphone app.
They are allegedly subscribing users secretly to paid mobile services and showing advertisements constantly to make money.
Throughout Google’s history, it has assured its users that its Play Store continuously checks apps for malware. Despite this, some still manage to make it through the process.
The terrible part is that even after Google removes these apps, they remain on the users’ devices who have already downloaded them. Ensure your phone’s ancient apps are updated for extra precaution.
It is also a brilliant idea to check the app’s background before installing it. Before downloading, check the comments section, reviews, and even the publisher’s website to ensure the data and phone are safe.
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