deceptive apps Archives

AppWizard

October 23, 2024

Delete These 12 Android Apps That Record Your Conversations – Jason Deegan

Security researchers at ESET have identified twelve malicious Android apps capable of recording audio in the background and other intrusive actions. Six of these apps were distributed through the Google Play Store, while the other six were disseminated through less direct means. One tactic used by hackers involves posing as romantic interests on messaging platforms to persuade targets to download infected apps containing the VajraSpy Trojan. The malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Infected messaging apps that steal personal information and run a Trojan in the background. 2. Apps that exploit accessibility features to intercept communications on WhatsApp and Signal, with one app, Wave Chat, capable of recording phone calls and ambient sounds. 3. A disguised news app that requests personal information and can intercept contacts and files. The identified malicious apps to uninstall include Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six were downloaded over 1,400 times from the Google Play Store before being removed.

AppWizard

June 3, 2024

Anatsa banking Trojan plagues Android apps

Anatsa is a sophisticated threat to Android apps, particularly e-banking security. It has breached Google Play, resulting in at least 150,000 infiltrations via deceptive apps. Anatsa uses persistent evasion strategies, including a four-stage payload uploading process, to remain undetected while harvesting information. Users can protect themselves by downloading apps from trusted sources, maintaining regular device software updates, and utilizing dependable security software.

AppWizard

May 11, 2024

How to secure your Android from password-hacking apps?

Android users are advised to be cautious when downloading apps due to a malware campaign disguising itself as popular applications like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. Users should verify app authenticity through user ratings, reviews, and video testimonials, enable Google Play Protect, and consider installing an Android antivirus app for added security.

AppWizard

May 3, 2024

Google is solving one of the ‘most-dangerous problems’ with Android apps of government departments, here’s how – Times of India

Google Play Store has introduced official badges to verify government applications, visible on over 2,000 apps in 14 countries. The badges help users identify authentic government services and combat fraudulent apps.

AppWizard

April 30, 2024

Google Bans Two Android Apps From Play Store; Here Is Why

Google recently took down two Android applications from its Play Store after receiving a notification from the Gurugram Police, who identified the apps as fraudulent investment platforms.

AppWizard

April 21, 2024

Google plots free Android upgrade & it could stop a bank raiding attack

Google is developing a new safety feature for Android apps that will put certain apps into a restrictive 'quarantine' mode to limit their functionality and mitigate potential risks.

AppWizard

April 14, 2024

Android owners urged to delete 3 ‘clone’ apps today – or risk a nasty bank raid

Android users are advised to remove three harmful applications, Dink Messenger, Sim Info, and Defcom, that were disguised as messenger services on the Google Play store. These apps contain the XploitSPY malware and are designed to extract sensitive data from users' devices.

AppWizard

April 11, 2024

Watch out for these fake messaging apps on Android – they could be spying on you

Researchers at ESET have discovered a group called Virtual Invaders that has been creating Android apps with hidden malware to steal sensitive data from users' devices. The group has been active since late 2021 and has used apps like Dink Messenger, Sim Info, and Defcom to infiltrate users' devices. The attackers have tailored the XploitSPY malware to their needs and have targeted individuals in Pakistan and India. Despite the sophistication of the attack, the number of downloads remains relatively low, with around 380 downloads in total.

AppWizard

April 5, 2024

Scammers con Google using 87 fake crypto apps on Google Play

Google was tricked into hosting fake crypto apps on its Play Store, leading to over 100,000 people falling victim to the scam. The scammers behind the deceptive apps aimed to siphon off users' digital currencies, resulting in losses ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. The scam prompted Google to take legal action and remove 87 counterfeit crypto apps, incurring ,000 in investigative costs. The deceptive apps were designed to mimic genuine cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms, with the scammers using YouTube and text messaging for marketing.