Recently, Google has removed 15 of 21 applications from their Google Play Store because a cybersecurity company Avast discovered and published a list of applications that contains HiddenAds malware. This malware is hard to spot because the ads hide in other applicable ads and present themselves as legitimate.
So, how can these apps harm you? The most common purpose of adware is to collect information on your smartphone and it can bombard your phone with persistent ads. Therefore, you should avoid or immediately uninstall it from your smartphone if you have already installed them.
These are the names of the infected apps:
- Cream Trip – NEW
- Crush Car
- Desert Against
- Find 5 Differences – 2020 NEW
- Rotate Shape
- Rugby Pass
- Shoot Them
- Shooting Run
- Sway Man
- Helicopter Shoot
- Iron it
- Jump Jump
- Money Destroyer
- Plant Monster
- Flying Skateboard
- Helicopter Attack – NEW
- Props Rescue
- Find Hidden
- Find the Differences – Puzzle Game
- Rolling Scroll
- Assassin Legend – 2020 NEW
Avast said the apps were downloaded by more than 7 million users before it is reported to Google. And 6 of the 21 apps are remaining available in Google Play Store.
“While Google is doing everything possible to prevent HiddenAds from entering its Play Store, the malicious apps keep finding new ways to disguise their true purpose, thus slipping through to the platform and then to users’ phones,” Vávra says. “Users need to be vigilant when downloading applications to their phones and are advised to check the applications’ profile, reviews, and to be mindful of extensive device permission requests.”
Then, Avast says, the effective ways to protect yourself from this kind of malware is to read the reviews and be suspicious, check permissions, ask yourself why does it cost that much, and talk to your kids about download safety is essential. We must educate ourselves on the signs of scam apps and share that info with your family and friends.
2 Comments
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