Over 90 Malicious Apps Found on Google Play Store
Security researchers at Zscaler have recently identified more than 90 malicious apps in the Google Play store, which have been downloaded over 5.5 million times. This alarming discovery highlights the persistent risks Android users face from seemingly innocuous applications.
Anatsa Malware | Teabot
Among the identified threats, the Anatsa malware, also known as TeaBot, stands out for its ability to steal banking information from hundreds of financial applications worldwide. ThreatLabz researchers noted that Anatsa often hides within practical tools like PDF or QR code readers. Once installed, these apps evade detection while stealing personal financial information through legitimate-looking updates.
Although Zscaler did not release the full list of over 90 malicious apps, they did highlight two apps: PDF Reader & File Manager and QR Reader & File Manager. Both had accumulated over 70,000 installations. “This campaign impersonated PDF reader and QR code reader applications to attract a large number of installations,” explained Zscaler. The high installation numbers deceived many users into believing these apps were genuine.
The analysis revealed that the most commonly exploited app categories were tools (39.4%), personalization (20.2%), photography (12.8%), productivity (9.6%), and health & fitness (7.4%). According to the report’s authors, malicious actors target popular categories to blend in more easily.
How to Protect Your Device
Experts recommend several strategies to protect against malicious apps:
- Be cautious of low download numbers: Newly uploaded apps with few downloads could be risky.
- Read reviews carefully: Look for unfavorable reviews that might indicate suspicious activity.
- Monitor data usage: Higher-than-average data usage can be a red flag.
- Scrutinize app descriptions: Strange or poorly written descriptions might signal a malicious app.
Google advises users to enable Google Play Protect, which automatically removes or disables apps known to contain malware on Android devices with Google Play Services. This tool is an essential defense against threats lurking in the Play Store.
With over 90 malicious apps identified and removed from the Google Play store, Android users must remain vigilant when downloading new applications. Utilizing protective tools and being aware of potential red flags can help safeguard personal information from malicious threats.
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