Loan shark apps are becoming a major threat to unsuspecting users as malicious actors continue to release new versions of their malware. Despite Google’s efforts to clamp down on rogue Android apps, some still manage to slip through the cracks, as McAfee recently discovered with 15 SpyLoan-infected apps.
Several SpyLoan malware-infected apps detected on Google Play Store
8 million Android devices have installed SpyLoan malware-infected apps
According to McAfee, 15 apps containing SpyLoan malware found on the Google Play Store have affected more than 8 million Android devices. These apps often request extensive access to users' personal information and collect this data before sending it to a control server. Notably, these apps use logos and names similar to reputable apps, thereby easily bypassing Google's checks.
Users are often lured in by the promise of quick and easy loans, along with gimmicks like countdown timers to encourage sign-ups. However, many users have reported receiving threatening calls and messages from debt collectors, and even being threatened with doctored images from their devices.
Users are prompted to act quickly using a fake countdown
McAfee notes that India now leads in the rate of fake lending apps, followed by Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Kenya, Colombia, Vietnam, Chile and Nigeria. Despite the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the country’s finance ministry taking action against a number of apps over the years, the number of malicious apps continues to rise.
Application Name | Number of downloads | Nation |
Préstamo Seguro-Rapido, seguro | 1 million | Mexico |
Quick Prepay-Credit Easy | 1 million | Colombia |
ได้บาทง่ายๆ-สินเชื่อด่วน | 1 million | Senegal |
RupiahKilat-Dana cair | 1 million | Senegal |
ยืมอย่างมีความสุข – เงินกู้ | 1 million | Thailand |
เงินมีความสุข – สินเชื่อด่วน | 1 million | Thailand |
KreditKu-Uang Online | 500,000 | Indonesia |
Dana Kilat-Pinjaman kecil | 500,000 | Indonesia |
Cash Loan-Borrow money | 100,000 | Vietnam |
RapidFinance | 100,000 | Tanzania |
PretPourVous | 100,000 | Senegal |
Huayna Money – Préstamo Ráido | 100,000 | Peru |
IPREASOS: Rapid Credit | 100,000 | Chile |
Conseguir Sol-Dinero Rapido | 100,000 | Peru |
EcoPret Pret En Ligne | 50,000 | Thailand |
Google has now suspended some of the apps after being reported by McAfee, but those who have downloaded the apps on the list will have to manually uninstall them to protect their personal information. Users are advised to check their phones for any suspicious apps on the list. In addition, limiting the installation of apps from unknown sources is also an effective measure to reduce risks.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/15-ung-dung-android-chua-phan-mem-doc-hai-phai-go-bo-ngay-18524112800051698.htm
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