Over 60 million Android devices 'trapped' by malicious apps on Google Play.

According to TechRadar , a large-scale advertising fraud campaign has just been discovered on Google Play, leaving over 60 million Android users worldwide as victims of malicious apps. Security experts from Bitdefender have discovered hundreds of dangerous apps that pose a risk of stealing personal data and displaying spam ads.

Numerous malicious applications have been installed on over 60 million Android devices.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT FROM PCMAG

Malicious apps are cleverly hidden on Google Play .

According to Bitdefender and IAS Threat Lab, at least 331 malicious apps have been detected, with a total of over 60 million downloads. These apps often 'disguise' themselves as popular utilities such as QR code scanners, expense trackers, health apps, wallpaper apps, etc. They mainly run on devices running Android 13 or earlier.

Once installed, these apps hide their icons from the home screen, making uninstallation difficult. They retain some functionality to build trust, but simultaneously display unwanted ads over other running apps.

Some apps even attempt to collect login credentials, credit card data, and other sensitive information. More worryingly, they can launch themselves without user interaction, even on Android 13.

Google has confirmed that all of these malicious apps have been removed from Google Play. However, users who have installed them are still at risk of being attacked.

To ensure safety, Android users should follow these steps:

• Check and remove unfamiliar apps: If your phone shows unusual signs (lag, strange ads, overheating, excessive data usage, etc.), immediately uninstall any apps from unknown sources or those you rarely use.
• Update your Android to the latest version: Android 15 and later versions offer improved security.
• Use Google Play Protect: This feature is enabled by default on Android devices with Google Play services, helping to detect and block malicious apps.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hon-60-trieu-thiet-bi-android-dinh-bay-ung-dung-doc-hai-บน-google-play-185250320174504802.htm