ANDROID owners are being urged to delete three dangerous apps that masqueraded as messengers in the Google Play Store.
Cyber researchers at ESET have cracked down on a trio of nasty apps that aim to steal Android owners’ personal data – and even their banking credentials.
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These apps pose as messaging services and offer basic but functional services as bait.
On the surface, they work and look legitimate – but they’re not.
Behind the scenes they hide the open source malware XploitSPY.
Hackers advertised these apps – and others like them – on websites and in the Google Play store.
While Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps – some slip through the cracks.
Apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, location, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram.
Android owners are invited to check their devices for these three apps:
- Dink Glasnik
- Sim info
- Defcom
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If you have downloaded one of these apps, it is advised to delete them immediately.
They have since been removed from the Google Play Store, but they may still be lurking on your phone.
They form part of a targeted campaign, which began in November 2021, to distribute malware to Android phones primarily in India and Pakistan, according to ESET.
Five more dangerous apps
In February, Android owners were warned about five more risky apps that were recently removed from the Google Play Store.
The group contains a hidden banking trojan called Anatsa that previously targeted users in a number of countries, including the UK.
Once the app is on your phone, the hacker can download and perform tasks without your knowledge.
The worst thing they can do is access your personal information and make payments from your banking apps.
Apps to watch out for and delete are:
- Phone Cleaner – File Explorer
- PDF viewer – File Explorer
- PDF reader – viewer and editor
- Phone Cleaner: File Explorer
- PDF Reader: File Manager
How to delete apps on Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- In the upper right corner, tap the Profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps and devices. Govern.
- Select the name of the application you want to delete.
- Tap Uninstall.