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Multiple past reports have suggested that despite Google’s mechanisms to filter malicious apps, some apps may sneak into the Play Store. According to reports, Google has removed a number of malware-filled apps from its app store, so if you have them installed on your phone, you should uninstall them.
According to a report by Bleeping Computer, an Android remote access Trojan (RAT) known as VajraSpy was discovered in 12 malicious applications, six of which were found on Google from April 1, 2021 to September 10, 2023. It was available on Play.
Although Google has already removed them, these malicious apps disguised as messaging and news apps are available in third-party app stores.
Why these apps are dangerous
The app brings an infection called VajraSpy and allows hackers to steal personal data such as contacts and messages, and depending on the permissions granted, can also record phone calls.
According to a team of ESET researchers, the operator of this malware is the Patchwork APT group, which has been active since at least late 2015. The group primarily targets users in Pakistan.
The apps available on Google Play are:
Rafa Cut (News)
Private talk (messaging)
MeetMe (Messaging)
Let’s chat (messaging)
Quick chat (messaging)
Chat (messaging)
The following apps have VajraSpy malware:
hello chat
Yahoo Talk
tick talk
Nidas
glow chat
wave chat
Google’s opinion
A Google spokesperson told the publication that it takes app privacy seriously.
“We take security and privacy complaints against our apps seriously, and we take appropriate action if we find that an app violates our policies,” a Google spokesperson said. .
“Users are protected by Google Play Protect. Apps that are known to exhibit this malicious behavior on Android devices with Google Play services, even if those apps are We can alert you even if it comes from the source,” the company said.
How to protect
Users should avoid downloading unknown chat apps recommended by people they don’t know. Additionally, users must not download apps from any platform other than the official app store.
According to a report by Bleeping Computer, an Android remote access Trojan (RAT) known as VajraSpy was discovered in 12 malicious applications, six of which were found on Google from April 1, 2021 to September 10, 2023. It was available on Play.
Although Google has already removed them, these malicious apps disguised as messaging and news apps are available in third-party app stores.
Why these apps are dangerous
The app brings an infection called VajraSpy and allows hackers to steal personal data such as contacts and messages, and depending on the permissions granted, can also record phone calls.
According to a team of ESET researchers, the operator of this malware is the Patchwork APT group, which has been active since at least late 2015. The group primarily targets users in Pakistan.
The apps available on Google Play are:
Rafa Cut (News)
Expanding
MeetMe (Messaging)
Let’s chat (messaging)
Quick chat (messaging)
Chat (messaging)
The following apps have VajraSpy malware:
hello chat
Yahoo Talk
tick talk
Nidas
glow chat
wave chat
Google’s opinion
A Google spokesperson told the publication that it takes app privacy seriously.
“We take security and privacy complaints against our apps seriously, and we take appropriate action if we find that an app violates our policies,” a Google spokesperson said. .
“Users are protected by Google Play Protect. Apps that are known to exhibit this malicious behavior on Android devices with Google Play services, even if those apps are We can alert you even if it comes from the source,” the company said.
How to protect
Users should avoid downloading unknown chat apps recommended by people they don’t know. Additionally, users must not download apps from any platform other than the official app store.
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