app stores Archives

BetaBeacon

April 2, 2025

Hurry! These Smartphone Games and Apps Are Free Right Now

The fact described in the text is that there are limited-time free Android apps and games available, including an Offline Password Manager app that securely stores passwords without unnecessary features.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Hackers target Taiwan with malware delivered via fake messaging apps

Recent research from cybersecurity firm Sophos has identified the use of PJobRAT malware targeting users in Taiwan through instant messaging applications SangaalLite and CChat, which mimic legitimate platforms. These malicious apps were available for download on various WordPress sites, now taken offline. PJobRAT, an Android remote access trojan first identified in 2019, has been used to steal SMS messages, contacts, device information, documents, and media files. The recent cyber-espionage initiative lasted nearly two years, affecting a limited number of users, indicating a targeted approach by the attackers. The latest version of PJobRAT lacks the ability to steal WhatsApp messages but allows attackers greater control over infected devices. The distribution method for these apps remains unclear, but previous campaigns involved third-party app stores and phishing pages. Upon installation, the apps request extensive permissions and provide basic chat functionalities. Sophos researchers note that threat actors often refine their strategies after campaigns, suggesting ongoing risks.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android Malware Masquerades as Dating and Messaging Apps to Target Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan that re-emerged in 2023, targeting users in Taiwan. Initially known for targeting Indian military personnel, it now disguises itself as benign apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and ‘CChat’, distributed via defunct WordPress sites operational from January 2023 to October 2024, with domain registrations dating back to April 2022. The malware is spread through counterfeit applications resembling legitimate messaging services, prompting users to grant extensive permissions. Enhanced capabilities allow it to execute shell commands, access data from any app, root devices, and communicate with command-and-control servers via Firebase Cloud Messaging and HTTP. The campaign appears to have concluded, highlighting the evolving tactics of threat actors. Users are advised against installing apps from untrusted sources and to use mobile threat detection software.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps

In 2021, PJobRAT, an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT), targeted Indian military personnel through deceptive apps. A new campaign was discovered in 2023, focusing on users in Taiwan, with malicious apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and CChat disguised as instant messaging applications. These apps were available for download from WordPress sites, which have since been taken down. The campaign began in January 2023, with domains registered as early as April 2022, and the latest sample detected in October 2024. The number of infections was low, indicating a targeted approach rather than a broad attack. The distribution methods remain unclear, but may involve SEO poisoning, malvertising, or phishing. Once installed, the apps request extensive permissions and feature basic chat functionality. Recent versions of PJobRAT have shifted from stealing WhatsApp messages to executing shell commands, allowing greater control over compromised devices. PJobRAT communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and HTTP, enabling the upload of various data types, including SMS, contacts, and files. The now inactive C2 server was located in Germany.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Malicious Android Apps Evade Detection: McAfee

Cybercriminals are using Microsoft’s .NET MAUI framework to create advanced Android malware that bypasses security measures and compromises user data. A study by McAfee researchers highlights a rise in malicious apps developed with this tool since its introduction in May 2022. These apps often impersonate legitimate applications, particularly from financial institutions, and are distributed through third-party websites or alternative app stores. One example is a counterfeit app mimicking the official IndusInd Bank app, targeting users in India to extract sensitive information. Another variant targets Chinese-speaking users by disguising itself as a social networking service. The malicious apps are designed to be subtle, with harmful code concealed as blob files within the assemblies directory, making detection difficult for antivirus solutions. Hackers use multi-stage dynamic loading, where the Android executable file is loaded in three stages, each encrypted until execution. They also manipulate the AndroidManifest.xml file by adding excessive permissions, complicating analysis and detection. Additionally, attackers replace standard HTTP requests with encrypted TCP socket connections to evade security software. These evolving tactics indicate a potential increase in similar mobile malware threats in the future.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Devious new Android malware uses a Microsoft tool to avoid being spotted

Cybercriminals are using legitimate software tools to create deceptive Android applications that steal sensitive user information. McAfee's findings indicate that hackers are exploiting the .NET MAUI framework to develop sophisticated malware that can evade traditional antivirus detection. The malware uses a multi-stage dynamic loading process, incrementally loading and decrypting code, making it difficult for security software to identify the applications' true nature. Hackers add extraneous settings and permissions to confuse security scanners and use encrypted communications for data transmission instead of standard internet requests. These malicious applications are not found in reputable app stores like Google Play but are distributed through unofficial app stores, often accessed via phishing links. Examples include a counterfeit banking app and a fraudulent social networking service targeting the Chinese-speaking community. The main goal of these apps is to secretly extract user data and send it to the attackers' servers. Users are advised to download apps only from official repositories and to be cautious by reviewing user feedback before installation.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Get Rid of These 12 Android Apps That Secretly Record Your Conversations

Security researchers have identified malicious Android applications that invade user privacy by recording audio, intercepting messages, and stealing sensitive data without user consent. A cybersecurity firm, ESET, uncovered a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Android devices through the Google Play Store and alternative app sources, initially involving six apps on the Play Store with over 1,400 downloads each before their removal. These deceptive apps, which masquerade as messaging services, embed malware capable of tracking user locations and harvesting personal information. Hackers employ tactics like “romance baiting” to trick users into downloading infected apps, such as those containing VajraSpy malware. Experts categorize these malicious apps into three groups: fake messaging apps that steal data, apps exploiting Android’s accessibility features, and a fake news app that harvests user data. A list of twelve flagged apps includes Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat, which should be removed immediately. To protect against spyware apps, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity updates. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, including verifying developers, checking reviews, and avoiding third-party app stores.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Hundreds of malicious Android apps with 60 million downloads found spamming Android users with ads and stealing credentials

Bitdefender has identified at least 331 malicious applications on the Google Play Store, which have been downloaded over 60 million times. These apps, including QR code scanners and simple games, can display intrusive advertisements and compromise user data. A list of some remaining malicious apps includes ShapeUp, Beautiful Day, Destiny Book, Dropo, Handset Locator, Body Scale, Cache Sweep TEL: Clean, Five in a Row, Massm BMI, and Water Note. Many of these apps can bypass Android security measures, initiate without user interaction, and may launch phishing attacks. Users are advised to avoid these apps, manually remove any malicious apps they may have installed, and enable Google Play Protect for added security.

AppWizard

March 17, 2025

The Assistant experience on mobile is upgrading to Gemini

The evolution of Google Assistant began in 2016, leading to the introduction of Gemini as the next iteration of AI-powered assistance. Millions are transitioning from Google Assistant to Gemini, with plans to migrate more mobile users in the coming months. The classic Google Assistant will be phased out on most mobile devices, with new downloads ceasing later this year. The upgrade will also extend to tablets, vehicles, and accessories that sync with smartphones, as well as home devices. Since its launch, the Gemini app is now available in over 40 languages across more than 200 countries, with updates introducing features like music playback and timer settings. Gemini includes innovations such as Gemini Live for dynamic conversations and Deep Research for personal research assistance.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Xiaomi to preinstall PhonePe’s app store on smartphones sold in India

Xiaomi has entered a multi-year agreement with PhonePe to preinstall the Indus Appstore on its Android smartphones sold in India, replacing the GetApps store. The Indus Appstore will support 12 Indian languages, offer zero fees for developers on in-app purchases, and feature over 500,000 apps. Google’s Play Store will still be available on Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi aims to enhance user experience and localize offerings in response to the growing demand for a locally driven app marketplace in India. Specifics about the rollout timeline and availability for existing devices have not been disclosed.