Malware, adware and phishing apps for Android have been spotted in the Google Play Store. Those that have been identified include an operating system optimization tool, a music equalizer, and more.
The discovery was made by Dr. Web, which reported that cybercriminals use apps to carry out 'Firebase Cloud Messaging' module attacks, loading advertisements on websites, starting a proxy server and collecting personal information.
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Some apps count more than 1 million downloads.
One of the most downloaded apps is Tubebox – still available on the Google Play Store – which promises cash rebates for users who watch the videos and ads featured. However, the application does not pay the users, claiming that an error has occurred and asks them to continue watching the advertisements so that they receive the rethink as soon as the problem is normalized.
In addition to TubeBox, other malicious apps have been located and removed from the Google store:
- Bluetooth device auto connect (bt autoconnect group)
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB driver (simple things for everyone)
- Volume, Music Equalizer (bt autoconnect group)
- Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master (Hippo VPN LLC)
The Doctor. Web also uncovered a number of apps that were masquerading as Russian banks and investment groups. These apps would lead users to activities that were at least strange, registering accounts and submitting apps to collect personal information. Check it out in the image below:
If you have any of these applications installed on your smartphone, the recommendation is to uninstall them as soon as possible.
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