Fake Android apps downloaded hundreds of thousands of instances

According to research from Trend Micro, millions of Android users have downloaded fake apps that slow down their gadgets and drain their batteries.

Researchers at the cybersecurity firm found 85 specific photography and gaming apps on the Google Play store that have been filled with spyware. These fraudulent apps have been downloaded more than eight million times to consumer’s’ smartphones and tablets.

Trend Micro has published a complete list of faux apps, but some of the most popular ones have been Super Selfie, Cos Camera, Pop Camera, and Line Puzzle.

Android phones include pre-established malware. Adware apps are nevertheless commonplace on the Google Play Store, and Android smartphones may be hacked over Wi-Fi.

Mobile hazard researcher at Trend Micro, Ocular Xu, defined how the apps prevented being detected by using customers, pronouncing:

“We found another example of adware’s ability to actual-lifestyles effect on Google Play. Trend Micro detects this as AndroidOS_Hidenad.HRXH. It isn’t your run-of-the-mill spyware family: Apart from showing commercials that can be tough to shut, it employs specific techniques to evade detection through consumer conduct and time-based triggers.”Adware apps

One strategy the spyware apps discovered with the aid of Trend Micro used to avoid detection was to create a shortcut for the app on a tool’s domestic display half-hour after the app became mounted. This helped the apps become more visible and deter Android users from uninstalling them.

When launched, the apps functioned in much of the same manner because they looked to impersonate images or gaming apps. However, they also displayed long, full-display screen advertisements that were not possible to close.

Google has considered eliminating the faux apps from the Play Store after Trend Micro informed the organization of its findings. Although the apps are not available at the Play Store, users who have already downloaded one of the faux apps should manually delete the app to eliminate it from their gadgets.