Android users should check if they have downloaded apps from Google Play Store, a useful antivirus designed to protect your phone but already loaded with malware. Android users should keep an eye out for six dangerous applications that until recently could be downloaded for free from the “Google Play” store. These fake apps were downloaded by 15,000 Android users who thought they would protect their devices as advertised as antivirus software. But instead of protecting Android users, these apps have been loaded with malicious Sharkbot banking software capable of stealing account credentials.
And if these sensitive connections fall into the hands of hackers, they can leave Android users vulnerable to theft, allowing malicious actors to plunder their funds. Not only that, the malware can also gain access to email accounts, social media sites, etc.
Now dangerous Android apps detected by Checkpoint security researchers have been removed from Google Play Store.
An Android banking stealing tool dubbed “Sharkbot” was found disguised as legitimate antivirus apps on the Google Play Store – Check Point Software.
But if you download these apps before deleting them, the dangerous software will probably still be hidden in your Android phone.
And if so, you should remove these programs immediately. The offending apps come from three developer accounts – Zbynek Adamcik, Adelmio Pagnotto and Bingo Like Inc. The programs are Atom Clean-Booster Antivirus, Antivirus Super Cleaner, Alpha Antivirus Cleaner, Powerful Cleaner Antivirus and two separate apps called Center Security – Antivirus.
Besides removing these apps from your device, you may want to download a legitimate antivirus like Check Point’s Harmony Mobile and scan your device.
Regarding the threat, Check Point said, “If you’re looking for an antivirus (AV) solution to protect your mobile phone, the last thing you would expect is to leave your device vulnerable to malware. This is what the CPR team came across while analyzing suspicious apps found on the Google Play Store. Cheek. These apps were disguised as native AV solutions, but in fact, users downloaded and installed an Android theft tool called “Sharkbot”.
To protect you from other similar threats in the future, Check Point has provided tips on how to avoid malware scams: only install apps from trusted and trustworthy publishers, and if you see an app from a new publisher, look for trusted ones Publisher counterparts and report any seemingly suspicious apps you come across to Google.
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