Washington, USA – Cybersecurity experts have issued a high-risk warning to Android phone users after discovering a group of malicious apps that were circulating within the Google Play store.
This is despite it being the official and safest platform for downloading applications.
According to Forbes, Google quickly removed these apps as soon as it confirmed their danger.
However, the current warnings focus on users who downloaded it before it was removed,
urging them to delete it immediately from their devices.
Incognito applications
According to cybersecurity experts, these applications were disguised as common utility tools.
Such as performance optimization apps, photo editing apps,
or apps that provide simple everyday services.
This enabled it to attract hundreds of thousands of downloads.
Experts pointed out that the developers of this malware used
a sophisticated method to circumvent Google’s scanning systems.
The application is uploaded for the first time without any malicious code.
Then the malicious code is added later through silent updates that the user does not notice.
Risks to users
Analysis suggests that these apps may expose users’ phones to a range of risks.
These include the theft of sensitive data and unauthorized
access to files, call logs, and messages.
In addition, it is possible to install advanced spyware that allows the attacker
to monitor the phone’s activity completely.
Cybersecurity teams have urged all Android users
to review their list of installed applications.
With the deletion of any unknown or reported application during the past few days.
She also stressed that deleting the application immediately
is the most effective course of action.
This is to protect personal and banking data from potential hacking.
She emphasized that relying solely
on the Play Store does not guarantee complete protection.
As long as attackers develop new methods to penetrate control systems.
