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Google warns Android users about critical security vulnerabilities, such as the risk of the Judy malware that hit the operating system of smartphones last year.
In a security bulletin recently released in November, Google warns of another major security risk. Several security bugs have been highlighted in this newsletter that could filter information from Android devices. Six of these security flaws have received a high security rating, even infected smart phones can be remotely exploited.
The security problem can reveal data that can only be accessed by locally installed applications. Some of these flaws can affect the latest version of Android, while others will affect even previous versions of Android. Malicious applications containing these malwares have been removed from the Google Play Store.
According to a WeLiveSecurity report, these applications were installed by almost 30,000 users. The report highlights 29 stealthy Trojans, which are found in the official Android app store. These malware are masked as device boosters, cleaners, battery managers and even themed horoscope applications. Then there are the malicious applications that rely exclusively on impersonating legitimate financial institutions and display login screens.
These applications are remotely controlled Trojans that can point to any application that is on the infected device. They can even intercept and redirect text messages to avoid SMS-based authentication. Once the hacker exploits the infected device, you can also download and install other applications.
How do they function?
Once the application starts, it shows an error on the victim’s device. The error states that the application is not compatible with your phone and, therefore, has been removed. The application is never really deleted, but it is hidden in the device memory from the victim’s view. The main functionality is hidden even for the activity manager.
How to safeguard your Android device?
If you suspect that you have any of these apps, you can go to application manager and uninstall them. It is advisable to check your bank account for suspicious transactions.
The list of malicious apps
The blog of the IT company ESET WeLiveSecurity has detailed the 29 applications that are infected with malware and these include:
1. Power Manager
2. Astro Plus
3. Master Cleaner – CPU Booster
4. Master Clean – Power Booster
5. Super Boost Cleaner
6. Super Fast Cleaner
7. Daily Horoscope For All Zodiac Signs
8. Daily Horoscope Free – Horoscope Compatibility
9. Phone Booster – Clean Master
10. Speed Cleaner – CPU Cooler
11. Ultra Phone Booster
12. Free Daily Horoscope 2019
13. Free Daily Horoscope Plus – Astrology Online
14. Phone Power Booster
15. Ultra Cleaner – Power Boost
16. Master Cleaner – CPU Booster
17. Daily Horoscope – Astrological Forecast
18. Speed Cleaner – CPU Cooler
19. Horoscope 2018
20. Meu Horóscopo
21. Master Clean – Power Booster
22. Boost Your Phone
23. Phone Cleaner – Booster, Optimizer
24. Clean Master Pro Booster 2018
25. Clean Master – Booster Pro
26. BoostFX. Android cleaner
27. Daily Horoscope (day.horocom.ww)
28. Daily Horoscope (com.dayhoroscope.en)
29. Personal Horoscope
