"Two Million Android Malware Apps Discovered on Google Play"
More than two million people have been tricked into installing new Android malware, phishing, and adware apps from the Google Play store. Dr. Web antivirus detected the apps that appear to be useful utilities and system optimizers but are the source of performance issues, advertisements, and poor user experience. TubeBox, which is still available on Google Play, is one of the apps with one million downloads. The TubeBox app consistently displays errors when attempting to redeem collected prizes, despite promising users monetary rewards for watching movies and advertisements on the app. According to the researchers, users who complete the final withdrawal stage never receive the money because the entire thing is a ploy to keep users on the app as long as possible so they can view advertisements and bring in money for the app's creators. There were four adware apps that emerged on Google Play in October 2022 but have been taken down. These include 'Bluetooth device auto connect,' 'Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB driver,' 'Volume, Music Equalizer,' and 'Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master.' These apps take Firebase Cloud Messaging instructions and load the URLs listed in them, resulting in the fraudulent display of advertisements on the affected devices. Remote operators may have also configured an infected device to act as a proxy server in Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master, which had a low download volume. Threat actors may use this proxy server to route their own traffic through the compromised device. Dr. Web also discovered several loan scam apps on Google Play with an average of 10,000 downloads that claimed to have a direct connection to Russian banks and investment firms. These apps were promoted through malicious advertising on other apps, promising guaranteed investment returns. The apps direct users to phishing websites where their personal information is collected. This article continues to discuss the discovery of two million Android malware apps on Google Play.
CyberIntelMag reports "Two Million Android Malware Apps Discovered on Google Play"