HomeNewsMalware coming on Android through apps

Malware coming on Android through apps

So far, 32 malicious apps have been found by Lookout mobile security on the Google Play store.

As The Mobile Indian had reported earlier, a security solution provider has now highlighted that many applications, especially the free ones, sending malwares to devices in the disguise of apps.

Lookout mobile security, the security solution provider, has identified 32 such malicious applications of four different developers which have now been taken down by Google Play.
Malware coming on Android through apps
As per Lookout, the malicious apps used the ‘Ad networks’, which is otherwise used by app developers to earn revenue in order to make their apps available for free, to send malwares to the Android devices.

The working of the malware Ad network is simple: as and when an application is pushed for verification and publication on Google Play, the application showcases ads and just a day after the ad network starts pushing malware on to installed devices through applications.

This makes it easier for the malware to pass through the Google Play verification process which has been strengthened to avoid suspicious applications.

Lookout has found one such ad network, called Badnews, which was found to be pushing a well-known malicious application known as AlphaSMS. The AlphaSMS application poses as an app downloader/installer but instead charges premium SMS. It then redirects the user to a website that contains additional potentially malicious applications to download.

Badnews has the ability to send fake news messages, prompt users to install applications and sends sensitive information such as the phone number and device ID to its Command and Control (C&C) server. BadNews uses its ability to display fake news messages in order to push out other types of monetisation malware and promote affiliated apps.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

RELATED STORIES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest News

Crypto News