Tag Archive for: delete

The 21 apps Android users should delete immediately over malware concerns

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A list of more than 20 apps designed for Android users known to contain malware has been released.

The list was released by Malware Fox, an anti-malware program.

“Currently, there is no better medium with a huge user base than Android,” Malware Fox said.

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“Over the last decade, Android has become a soft target for cyberattackers to carry out illicit activities.

“It is because Android is an open-source program, making it highly customisable, unlike iOS.

“It is easy for cybercriminals to infiltrate an Android device using malicious apps.”

The compromised apps contain one of four types of malware.

Harly Trojan obtains data about the user’s device, especially data about the mobile network.

This malware is found in:

  • Fare Gamehub and Box
  • Hope Camera-Picture Record
  • Same Launcher and Live Wallpaper
  • Amazing Wallpaper
  • Cool Emoji Editor and Sticker

Joker Spyware gathers contact lists, SMS messages, and details about affected devices.

This malware also has the capacity to register the device for premium services without consent, monetising the malware infection.

It is found in:

  • Simple Note Scanner
  • Universal PDF Scanner
  • Private Messenger
  • Premium SMS
  • Blood Pressure Checker
  • Cool Keyboard
  • Paint Art
  • Color Message

Autolycos Malware is a Trojan spyware that is known for subscribing victims to paid services.

This malware is found in:

  • Vlog Star Video Editor
  • Creative 3D Launcher
  • Wow Beauty Camera
  • Gif Emoji Keyboard
  • Instant Heart Rate Anytime
  • Delicate Messenger

Fleckpe is another Trojan spyware that is known for subscribing victims to paid services.

This malware is found in:

  • Beauty Slimming Photo Editor
  • GIF Camera Editor Pro

Days after McAfee warning

The warning comes just days after computer security company McAfee warned Android users about new malware.

A new variant of Xloader malware, otherwise known as MoqHao, makes it easier for hackers to access your phone’s data.

While previous versions of Xloader required the phone user to download and open the malware, the new programming means the malware can silently run in the background straight…

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13 Malicious Android Apps You Should Delete Immediately

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We’re ending the year with another crop of malicious Android apps you should delete from your phone ASAP.

The McAfee Mobile Research Team uncovered apps in Google Play and third-party app stores that are infected with malware it’s dubbed Xamalicious because it’s “implemented with Xamarin, an open-source framework that allows building Android and iOS apps with .NET and C#.”

Once installed, a malicious app “tries to gain accessibility privileges with social engineering and then it communicates with the command-and-control server to evaluate whether or not to download a second-stage payload.” If the second-stage payload is installed, it can take full control of your device, meaning “it has the potential to perform any type of activity like a spyware or banking trojan without user interaction,” McAfee says.

The apps can also do things like install other apps or click on ads without your consent. The Cash Magnet app, for example, automatically clicks ads and installs apps to fraudulently generate revenue; users think they’re earning points to be redeemable as a retail gift card.

“This means that the developers behind these threats are financially motivated and drive ad-fraud therefore this might be one of the main payloads of Xamalicious,” McAfee says.

McAfee identified 25 apps that contain the threat, 13 of which were distributed on Google Play, some as far back as 2020. It notes that “the usage of the Xamarin framework allowed malware authors to stay active and without detection for a long time, taking advantage of the build process for APK files that worked as a packer to hide the malicious code.

“Malware authors also implemented different obfuscation techniques and custom encryption to exfiltrate data and communicate with the command-and-control server,” McAfee adds.

McAfee estimates the apps have potentially compromised 327,000 devices from Google Play, in addition to any downloads that were made from third-party markets. Most Xamalicious activity was detected in the US, Brazil, and Argentina, though infections were also reported in the UK, Spain, and Germany. 

Google removed the apps from Google Play after McAfee reported them. But there’s a chance you might still have them…

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I’m a security expert – delete ‘invasive’ apps silently spying on your iPhone and Android using my settings trick

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CYBERSECURITY experts have warned about invasive apps that can infiltrate your phone and steal your data.

Malicious invasive apps can easily compromise both Android and iOS devices.

Cybersecurity experts have warned about invasive appsCredit: Getty

WHAT ARE INVASIVE APPS?

Invasive apps are software that use a phone’s permission settings to spy on its user by accessing the phone’s camera, microphone, and more.

What’s more, these apps look like legitimate apps, “yet they have an ulterior motive,” security software company McAfee said in a blog post.

They are similar to spyware, except that spyware is malware that enables a hacker to obtain information about another’s computer activities.

“Both invasive apps and mobile spyware snoop on you and your phone, yet invasive apps work differently than mobile spyware. Invasive apps use a phone’s built-in functionality to spy and gather information on you,” McAfee explained.

A telltale sign of an invasive app is when the app asks for permissions it doesn’t need.

For example, if a flashlight app wants access to your microphone, that’s probably a red flag.

“The tricky bit with invasive apps is that many people quickly click through the user agreements and permission screens when they get a new app,” McAfee said.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

There are a number of ways to protect your device from invasive apps.

For starters, check your mobile device’s permission settings and manage anything that looks fishy.

For iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then tap Safety Check > sift through apps’ permissions.

On your Android device, open Settings > select apps > tap the app you want to change > tap Permissions.

You can also run an antivirus or antimalware software on your device to run a security check.

Along with enabling security software, keeping your phone’s operating system up to date can help keep it protected.

You should also avoid downloading any suspicious-looking apps – especially if they’re only available outside of your device’s official app store.

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The ‘Riskiest’ iPhone Apps Security Experts Say You Should Delete To Protect Your Personal Data Include Antivirus & Unknown VPN Apps

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woman-holding-iphone

woman-holding-iphone

You can download some apps, keep them on your phone for a lifetime, and they’ll only ever offer you joy and never cause you trouble. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with all apps. Being mindful and careful about the apps that you download is one wise way to protect your data and privacy against hacking attempts and other issues. But it’s also a good idea to periodically go through the apps you have downloaded and decide which should stay and which you can afford to part with. Doing this can help you manage your storage better and may even help your battery power. Tech Expert Sufyan Mughal from Gaming Tech Review considers these the “riskiest” iPhone apps that you should delete to protect your personal data. 

App: Unverified Third-Party App Stores

Risk: Unverified third-party app stores pose a significant security risk as they often distribute modified or pirated versions of legitimate apps, Mughal says. “These apps may contain malware, spyware, or malicious code that can compromise your iPhone’s security,” he continues. “To make it less risky, it is strongly advised to uninstall unverified third-party app stores and rely solely on the official App Store for downloading apps. Apple’s strict app review process ensures that apps available on the App Store are thoroughly vetted for security and privacy concerns.”

App: Outdated and Abandoned Apps

Risk: Outdated and abandoned apps that are no longer supported by their developers are potential security vulnerabilities.

 

“These apps may contain unpatched security flaws, making them an attractive target for attackers looking to exploit known vulnerabilities,” Mughal says. “To mitigate this risk, regularly review the apps installed on your iPhone. If you come across outdated or unsupported apps, consider deleting them. Developers typically release updates to address security issues, so it’s crucial to keep your apps up to date by installing updates from the App Store.”

 

App: Suspicious or Unknown VPN Apps

Risk: Suspicious or unknown VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps can compromise your privacy and security. “Some VPN apps may harvest your personal data, inject ads, or…

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