Delete Google Play Store apps
Google has just removed 15 applications from the Google Play Store that contained adware. You can see them all here to keep your device safe.
Reports now say that Android users are at risk. First, we found out about the WhatsApp security breach where, without their knowledge, an attacker could read their messages. Now there are reports of a new hack that can infiltrate your phone without you knowing. A recent report from the British security firm, Sophos, revealed that 15 Android apps that exist in the Play Store – which have racked up over 1.3 million downloads – are not only filled with misleading adware, but can also be hidden on your smartphone or tablet. For that reason, you could forget that you’ve installed the malware app.
One scary thing is that some of these scams disguise themselves as harmless system apps to fool even the most savvy Android users.
Fortunately, Sophos has released the names of some Android apps that may be dangerous. Check the list below to see if they’re installed on any of your devices.
The apps in question are:
- Flash On Calls & Messages
- Read QR Code
- Imagine Magic
- Generate Elves
- Savexpense
- QR Artifact
- Find Your Phone : Whistle
- Scavenger – – – speed guard
- Auto Cut Out Pro
- Background Cut Out
- Photo Background
- ImageProcessing
- Background Cut Out New
- Auto Cut Out
- Auto Cut Out 2019
Sophos provides an in depth overview of the tactics of the app. One approach is to display a fake error message which claims it’s incompatible with the device. The app then points the user to Google Maps in the Play Store, just when they’re using it and pointing out an issue with it.
Flash On Calls and Messages is going to hide its own app image so it’s harder for the user to find and uninstall it.
There are other utilities mentioned above that can change the application icon to make it seem harmless and basic. Some examples are “Google Play Store”, “Update”, “Backup” or even “Time Zone Service”.
If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy this one.
Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
