In order to trick unsuspecting users into downloading them, these 36 malicious apps pose as photo editing tools, virtual keyboards, system optimizers, wallpaper changers, and other useful tools.
While these apps promise to add new functionality to your device Android smartphoneThey are actually paying intrusive ads, signing up for premium services and stealing social media accounts instead, according to Computer (Opens in a new tab).
The malicious apps were discovered by security researchers from Antivirus software Web that provided more information about each of the individual applications in the file new report (Opens in a new tab).
Although Google has removed most of these bad apps from the Play Store, you will still need to uninstall them manually if you have any on your Android devices.
Adware apps that keep running in the background
In addition to being annoying, adware applications Your smartphone battery can drain quickly as many of them are designed to keep running in the background even after they’re turned off.
Those discovered by Dr. Web are actually modifications of the existing adware families that first appeared on the Play Store back in May of this year.
These adware applications can also run on top of other applications because they ask permission to use overlay windows during installation. However, they can continue to run in the background too by adding themselves to the Android battery saver exclusion list.
To make matters worse, many of these adware applications also feature the ability to hide their app icons in the app drawer or replace them with a different icon that resembles a core system component such as the “SIM Toolkit”.
Among these adware apps, Neon Theme Keyboard by Nataļja Kokorevičs (which is still on the Play Store at the time of writing) stands out with over 1 million downloads even with an awesome score of 1.8 based on 4000 reviews. Fortunately, it appears that Google Play Protect has started warning users about the app based on feedback from the Play Store.
Joker applications that share users with premium services
Dr. Webb researchers have also discovered malicious apps in the Play Store that infect users’ devices heinously Joker Malware.
These applications are especially dangerous because this malware strain has the potential to register victims Premium subscription services without their knowledge. Unfortunately, two of the malicious apps are still on Dr.
Although both the apps already provide the functions described in their Play Store listings, they also perform malicious actions in the background.
Photo editing apps that steal your Facebook account
Your presence hacking a Facebook account It can be devastating, especially when it’s a file Facebook Business accountWhich is why you need to uninstall two malicious apps that Doctor Web researchers discovered right away.
These two apps (YouToon – AI Cartoon Effect and Pista – Cartoon Photo Effect) are disguised as photo editing tools that can apply cartoon filters to ordinary photos and have been downloaded from the Play Store over 1.5 million times.
Both the apps are designed to steal data from your Android smartphone that can be used to hack your Facebook account.
Protect yourself from harmful apps on Play Store
To avoid intrusive ads, sign up for premium services against your will or steal your social media accounts, the first thing you should do is go through the list below to make sure none of these malicious apps are installed on your Android smartphone or tablet.
If it is, remove it immediately and consider using one of the Best antivirus apps for Android To search for any viruses that may be left behind.
- Photo Editor: Beauty Filter
- Photo Editor: Retouch & Cutout
- Photo Editor: Art Filters
- Photo Editor – Design Maker
- Photo Editor & Background Eraser
- Photo Editor and Exif
- Photo Editor – Filter Effects
- Photo filters and effects
- Photo Editor: Blur Image
- Photo Editor: Cut and Paste
- Emoji Keyboard: Stickers & GIF
- neon keyboard theme
- Neon Theme – Android Keyboard
- cache cleaner
- FastCleaner: Cashe Cleaner
- Call Skins – Caller Themes
- funny caller
- CallMe phone themes
- InCall: Contact background
- MyCall – Personalize your calls
- caller theme
- caller theme
- Funny Wallpapers – Live Screen
- 4K Auto Wallpaper Changer
- NewScrean: 4D Wallpapers
- Stock wallpapers and backgrounds
- Notes – Reminders & Lists
At the same time, it should also be avoided Install apps from unknown sources Alternatively, download it from official stores such as Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, or Samsung Galaxy App Store.
Until then, bad apps have managed to bypass Google’s defenses from time to time, which is why you should always check user reviews and ratings, visit developer websites and read the privacy policy of every app you install. I know it’s a lot but it’s worth doing if you want to be on the safe side.
Finally, you have to make sure of it google play for protection It is active on your devices because it regularly scans for malicious apps and warns you if you try to install one of them.