mobile ad fraud Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2025

These Popular Apps Are Killing Your Phone—Uninstall Them Now!

A recent security report from the Satori Threat Intelligence and Research team at Human has identified a mobile ad fraud operation called Operation "SlopAds" on the Google Play Store. This operation involves 224 apps, including malware and adware, which have collectively amassed over 38 million downloads across more than 200 countries. The apps utilize AI-themed services and advanced concealment techniques to generate fictitious ad impressions and clicks, leading to financial losses for advertisers and potential risks for users, such as draining battery life and slowing device performance. Google has been informed and has removed the identified apps while activating its Play Protect system to notify affected users. Users are advised to verify app publishers, uninstall unused apps, stick to official app stores, review app permissions, and keep their devices updated to enhance security.

AppWizard

September 17, 2025

224 Malicious Android Apps on Google Play With 38 Million Downloads Delivering Malicious Payloads

A mobile ad fraud operation called "SlopAds" infiltrated the Google Play Store with 224 malicious applications, which collectively achieved over 38 million downloads across 228 countries. The operation utilized advanced steganography and obfuscation techniques to deliver fraudulent advertising payloads while avoiding detection. SlopAds activated its fraud system selectively based on specific advertising campaigns, generating around 2.3 billion fraudulent bid requests daily, primarily from the United States (30%), India (10%), and Brazil (7%). The malicious apps exploited Firebase Remote Config to retrieve encrypted data for downloading a primary fraud module named "FatModule." This module was concealed within PNG image files, allowing it to bypass traditional security measures. The FatModule included anti-analysis features to evade detection by security researchers. Google has since removed all identified SlopAds applications from the Play Store and implemented protections through Google Play Protect.