Google Play Store has lots of protection layers to restrict malware apps from being downloaded by users. However, scammers are experts in finding loopholes in these security systems and bypassing the protection layers to upload malware apps on the app store. When the users download these apps, they ask for certain permissions to access the data on their mobile phones. Once permission is granted this malware starts digging into the sensitive and crucial information saved on your device like messages, calls, etc. stealing potential data that helps scam users financially is the primary goal of such apps.
More Than 60 Malware Apps Detected
With the recent research, there are a total of 63 malware apps that are found on the Google Play Store with millions of downloads. This virus has been added to these apps with a series of unintentional events. The malware that has infected the apps is ‘Goldoson’ and what makes it so dangerous is that the virus is completely new and its functionality is not known by many experts.
Google also clarified in a statement given to the phonearena, that it is protecting users from malware apps with full force.
“When we find apps that violate our policies, we take appropriate action. We have notified the developers that their apps violate Google Play policies and fixes are needed to come into compliance. Users are also protected by Google Play Protect, which can warn users of identified malicious apps on Android devices,” reads the statement.
How Dangerous GOLDOSON Infected Malware Apps Are?
“Researchers at the security company McAfee found Goldoson, noting on its blog that the virus may gather GPS coordinates and the names of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-connected devices. It will also collect a list of apps that are available on the mobile phone. In addition, the malware can click on ads that are running in the background without the user’s knowledge or permission,” mentioned Gizchina.
“The creators and Google are both aware of the infection. Since the developers were just as much of a victim as those who downloaded the infected apps, many of the impacted apps were cleaned up by the developers. However, those who disobeyed Google’s order had their apps removed from the Play Store,” further wrote.
Also read:
Deleted WhatsApp Messages By Mistake? Here’s How to Read Them
Here’s the List of 63 Malware Apps That You Should Remove Immediately from the Phone:
- L.POINT with L.PAY
- Swipe Brick Breaker
- Money Manager Expense & Budget
- TMAP
- Lotte Cinema
- Genie Music
- Culture
- GOM Player
- Megabox
- LIVE Score Real-Time
- Pikicast
- Compass 9: Smart Compass
- GOM Audio – Music, Sync lyrics
- TV – All About Video
- Guninday
- Item mania
- LOTTE WORLD Magic Pass
- Bounce Brick Breaker
- InfiniteSlice Infinite Slice
- Norae bang
- SomNote – Beautiful note app
- Korea Subway Info: Metroid
- GoodTVBible
- Happy Mobile Happy Screen
- UBhind: Mobile Tracker Manager
- Mafu Driving Free
- Girl singer WorldCup
- FSP Mobile
- Audio Recorder
- Catmera
- Cultureland Plus
- Simple Air
- Lotteworld Seoul Sky
- Snake Ball Lover
- Play Geto
- Memory Memo
- PB Stream
- Money Manager (Remove Ads)
- Inssaticon – Cute Emoticons
- ECloud
- SCinema
- Ticket Office
- Lotteworld Aquarium
- Lotteworld Water Park
- T map for KT
- Random number
- AOG Loader
- GOM Audio Plus – Music, Sync
- Swipe Brick Breaker 2
- Safe Home
- Chuncheon
- Fantaholic*
- Cinecube
- TNT
- Bestcare Health
- InfinitySolitaire
- New Safe
- Cashnote
- TDI News
- Eyesting
- TingSearch
- Krieshachu Fantastic
- Yeonhagoogokka
