After 8 Million Downloads, 42 Android Apps Infected With Malware

After 8 Million Downloads, 42 Android Apps Infected With Malware

ESET Security researchers tracked a total of 42 apps that are infected with adware in the Google Play Store for Android smartphones. It is reported that the affected programs have been downloaded millions of times and spy on users.

With its openness, the Google Android operating system, which is popular on smartphones, brings many advantages, but in some cases also shows its vulnerability to malicious software. As announced by the Slovakian security company ESET (via TechCrunch), their research team discovered 42 apps that have become part of a so-called adware campaign. In particular, apps such as Video Download Master, Ringtone Maker Pro, SaveInsta and Tank Classic are among the most popular of the infected programs. Overall, the experts speak of eight million affected Android users who have come in contact with the software.

Users Are Besieged And Spied On With Advertising

Noticeable is the adware Malware recognized as "Android / AdDisplay.Ashas" with repeatedly displayed full-screen advertising, which cannot be suppressed by the user. But that's not all, in addition, the apps read different user data in the background. Among other things, in addition to the information about the smartphone and the Android version, installed apps are read out and the status is transmitted as to whether the device allows software installation from third-party sources. The latter could ensure that further malware can be installed on the device in the future.

After 8 Million Downloads, 42 Android Apps Infected With Malware

To make it difficult to delete the infected apps, the app icon is often hidden in the program overview or placed at this point only with a shortcut. The camouflage of advertisements as "official" Google or Facebook ads is also reported. Lukas Stefanko, a malware researcher at ESET, said, "The Google Security Team removed all apps after we reported, but these apps are still available on some third-party app stores." The experts traced the Malware campaign to a student from Vietnam.