In an alarming discovery, cybersecurity experts at McAfee identified 13 new malicious apps on the Google Play Store. They pose serious privacy and security risks to Android users. These Android malware apps, which were masquerading as useful tools and utilities, gain accessibility permissions that allow them to communicate with a malicious server without the user’s knowledge. This breach can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially harmful actions on your device.
Full list of the malware apps found
Here is the list of the 13 dangerous Android malware apps that need to be deleted immediately:
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- Essential Horoscope for Android: This app, under the guise of providing horoscope readings, accesses sensitive information without permission.
- 3D Skin Editor for PE Minecraft: Targeted at gamers, this app contains malicious code that compromised user data.
- Logo Maker Pro: Promising professional logo creation, this app sends data to malicious servers.
- Auto Click Repeater: Designed to automate repetitive tasks, this app makes unauthorized data transmission.
- Count Easy Calorie Calculator: A seemingly innocent calorie counter, harvesting user data covertly.
- Sound Volume Extender: This app claimed to enhance sound volume while compromising device security.
- LetterLink: Posing as a productivity tool, this app was engaged in malicious activities behind the scenes.
- NUMEROLOGY: PERSONAL HOROSCOPE & NUMBER PREDICTIONS: Another horoscope app siphoning off sensitive user data.
- Step Keeper: Easy Pedometer: Marketed as a fitness tracker, it is a security threat.
- Track Your Sleep: Instead of tracking sleep patterns, this app was tracking user data and sending it to unauthorized servers.
- Sound Volume Booster: Similar to Sound Volume Extender, this app also compromised device security under the pretense of enhancing sound.
- Astrological Navigator: Daily Horoscope & Tarot: Yet another horoscope app part of this malicious group.
- Universal Calculator: Presented as a utility app, but part of malicious activities.
The Risks and What You Should Do
These Android malware apps have already been removed from the Google Play Store. If you have any of them installed on your device, it is crucial to delete them immediately. The primary risk associated with these apps is unauthorized access to your personal information, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other severe privacy issues.
To protect yourself:
- Uninstall these apps immediately: Go to your phone’s settings, navigate to the installed apps section, and remove these apps.
- Check for unusual activity: Monitor your device for any unusual behavior or performance issues that may indicate malicious activity.
- Install a reliable security app (optional): Use reputable antivirus or security applications to scan your device and ensure it is free from malware.
By taking these steps, you can safeguard your personal information and maintain the security of your device.