Last month, 17 malware infested apps were found on the Google Play Store. This month, 21 malicious apps containing hidden malware have been discovered on the same Google Play Store.
Discovered by cybersecurity firm Avast, the apps which target gamers were found to include adware that is part of the HiddenAds family and is said to have been downloaded roughly 8 million times before the discoveries were made.
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According to Avast, the HiddenAds malware disguise as games promising to provide users with highly engaging actions, while in reality it delivers intrusive ads outside the application.
The trojan generates revenue by collecting user data for marketing and redirecting users to lucrative advertising which generates per-click payments every time an ad is tapped. Most times the malware can be hard to detect because the ads hide behind relevant ads and as well hides its icons to prevent removal.
"While Google is doing everything possible to prevent HiidenAds from entering its Play Store, the malicious apps keep finding new ways to disguise their true purpose, thus slipping through the platform and then to user' phones," Jakub Vávra, Threat Analyst at Avast said.
To stay protected, Android users are advised to double check applications that they want to download and install on their device, not minding if the download is coming from Google Play Store or not. Checking the review section, price, rating and extensive device permission will give the user a hint if the app will be pain or not.
"User need to be vigilant when downloading applications to their phones and are advised to check the applications' profile, reviews and to be mindful of the extensive deice permission requests," Vávra added.
Last time that we checked, Google have kicked the apps out of the Play Store though 6 still remained there. However, that might have changed as at the time of this post.
Find the list of the 21 infected apps below.
- Assassin Legend - 2020 NEW
- Cream Trip - NEW
- Crush Car
- Desert Against
- Find 5 Differences - 2020 NEW
- Find Hidden
- Find the Difference - Puzzle Game
- Flying Skateboard
- Helicopter Attack - NEW
- Helicopter Shoot
- Iron it
- Jump Jump
- Money Destroyer
- Plant Monster
- Props Rescue
- Rolling Scroll
- Rotate Shape
- Rugby Pass
- Shoot Them
- Shooting Run
- Sway Man