Malware applications have been detected again in the Google Play Store. In total, these have been downloaded over 300,000 times. Find out what you can do now here.
It happens again and again that dangerous apps appear in the Google Play Store. Security researchers have now discovered some malicious apps again, such as “Ars Technica” mentioned. The apps have already been downloaded more than 300,000 times.
The malware masquerades as a QR code scanner, PDF scanner, or crypto wallet, among other things. These apps themselves are not dangerous yet. However, they are trying to download malware. These downloads are disguised as critical updates for downloaded apps. Users unconsciously give the app permission to install the Trojan.
It’s hard to identify malicious Android apps as such
These Trojans serve several functions. Among other things, passwords are stolen and two-factor authentication codes are intercepted. Screenshots are also generated. The problem with the apps in the Play Store is that a lot of measures have been taken to prevent them from being detected as malware.
In addition, the downloaded applications also contain the functions that have already been announced. Some of them got very good reviews on the Play Store. Combined with the large number of downloads, this gives many users the impression that the program is safe.
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These Android apps distribute Trojans
In all, four families of Trojans are detected in applications. One of them is Anatsa. The task of this is to create automatic transfers and thus liquidate the accounts of the victims. Other Trojans are Alien, Hydra, and Ermac.
The following applications were detected with the corresponding package names:
- two factor authentication; com.flowdivison
- protection guard com.protectionguard.app
- QR CreatorScanner com.ready.qrscanner.mix
- Master Scanner Live; com.multifuction.combine.qr
- QR Scanner 2021; com.qr.code.generate
- QR scanner; com.qr.barqr.scangen
- PDF Document Scanner – Scan to PDF; com.xaviermuches.docscannerpro2
- PDF document scanner; com.docscanverifier.mobile
- PDF Document Scanner is free; com.doscanner.mobile
- CryptoTracker. cryptolistapp.app.com.cryptotracker
- Fitness trainer and gym. com.gym.trainer.games
- Fitness trainer and gym. com.gym.trainer.games
Malicious Android apps: How to protect yourself.
The apps have since been removed from the Play Store. Google usually reacts very quickly in such cases. However, the company frequently faces the problem of dangerous apps entering the Play Store without being detected.
Anyone who has installed an app should delete it and “updates” immediately. You should use a virus scanner for this. In such a situation, it is difficult to protect yourself in advance. Reading user reviews carefully can help. Otherwise you should avoid downloading app updates from other platforms. It also helps if you only install apps that you really need. The rest should be deleted.
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