Check your phone now for these data stealing counterfeit apps
One of the most important aspects of owning a smartphone is using apps. These bite-sized programs expand the functions and flexibility of your device far beyond what comes out of the box, and can even unlock some features the manufacturer didn’t intend — such as the flashlight on iPhones before Apple made it a part of iOS.
Both iOS and Android have App Stores of their own for users to download new software, but despite their glossy exterior, malicious software is often hidden among legitimate offerings. For Android, in particular, the Google Play Store was recently found to have thousands of apps containing malware — including “counterfeit” apps that masquerade as real ones to trick users into downloading!
If you’re an Android user, you may have already downloaded one of these impostor apps without even knowing it! If you’re looking to protect your Android device from malicious hackers and data-stealing apps, read on to see our breakdown of which apps are compromised, along with how to spot the fakes for yourself.
Thousands of fake, malware-containing apps on Google Play Store
A recent study performed by the University of Sydney and Commonwealth analyzed a large swath of apps found on the Google Play Store in an effort to understand just how bad the malware infestation is on the official store for Android.
What they found was shocking: Nearly 50,000 apps are impersonating some of the most popular programs on the store, and over 2,000 apps from this selection were found to contain dangerous malware!
The study was performed using a combination of neural networks and a malware scanner to obtain the data. The neural networks would scout the Google Play Store for apps with similar icons and text descriptions to the 10,000 most popular downloads. Then, the isolated counterfeits would be scanned for viruses and other malicious software.
Related: Check your phone now for these malicious apps
In the university’s findings, the biggest culprits for counterfeits were game apps that ripped off popular titles like Temple Run, Hill Climb Racing, and Free Flow. It makes sense for cybercriminals to bundle viruses inside of gaming apps since children are more likely to download them as opposed to adults.
Kids aren’t always aware of the dangers presented by cyber-threats, and many of them are just looking to have fun while, say, borrowing their parents’ phone on a road trip.
Once installed, these malicious apps can wreak havoc on a phone. Many of them bundle custom ad libraries that can track your activity or target you with advertisements you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Others will ask for unusually broad privacy permissions while installing — which can give the apps unfettered access to your most personal information.
How can I protect myself from fake apps on Google Play?
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If you downloaded these apps from Google Play, you need to uninstall them immediately
When downloading apps to your smartphone or tablet, we would always recommend using official app stores like Google Play, or the Apple App Store. Even though these official stores have screenings and fail-safes to try and weed out malicious apps, they don’t always catch everything. We just learned about hundreds of malicious apps that have been downloaded over 400 million times rendering devices nearly unusable.
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Holidays are always packed with barbecues, festivals and weekend trips to your favorite relaxation spot. The bad news is holidays can be hectic and there’s always a ton of preparation involved. Craziness kicks up another notch, especially if you are traveling to your get-away. Fortunately, Google Maps provides some great tools to help you reach that special destination.
10 best video games for people over 55
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3 apps used by predators to groom children -- remove them now
If you have kids or grandkids, check their phones for these three apps child predators use. The government just issued a warning about smartphone apps pedophiles are using to groom children online. It sounds too disturbing to be true, but these apps actually allowed children under 13 to create dating profiles.
Use this tool to see how websites track you
We’re all familiar with the total disregard companies like Facebook and Google have for our privacy. After multiple scandals and security breaches, users are crying out for the biggest tech companies to stop being so careless with how they handle personal information. Well, A new tool is breaking down what kinds of data these info-hungry companies are after, and what you can do to avoid being tracked.
Shocking research: Most antivirus programs don't work
With cybercriminals running amok throughout the internet, you are probably concerned for the safety and security of your computer. This might lead you to download a virus protection program. Turns out, they don’t work. That’s right, this new research says that many of the most popular virus protection programs are not effective at preventing attacks. Here are the programs to avoid if you want to be secure online.
New adware that can destroy your phone found in 200 apps so check your phones now
Advertisements have become part of our everyday online experiences. Some ads are legitimate, and appear as expected. But what you may not realize is that some apps become infected with an ever-so-annoying adware virus that will constantly bombard you with spam ads. Don’t worry, I’ve got a list to share with you. Here are the apps to avoid.
Beat the April 15th deadline, best tax software for 2019
With all the horrors surrounding tax season like scammers trying to steal your information, it is always nice to hear some good news regarding taxes. That’s exactly what I’m bringing you today. Of course taxes are not fun, but these software options can make a sometimes-painful activity and turn it into something simple and easy.
Nasty mobile ad fraud operation caught infecting apps in Google Play
If your Android is running hot or sluggish, or seems to be draining its battery quicker than usual, you might want to see if you’re one of millions infected with a bot that downloads hidden videos to unsuspecting phones. We’ll show you how to check if you’ve been infected, and we’ll tell you what you can do.
Thousands of apps are still tracking you even when you tell them not to
Online behavioral advertising, also known as “interest-based advertising,” is powered by user data, tons of it. It uses information gathered through your gadgets to help predict your preferences and show you ads that are more likely to be of interest to you.
Another malicious app that could rip you off found in the Google Play Store
When downloading apps to your smartphone or tablet, we would always recommend using the official app stores like Google Play, or the Apple App Store. But, even though these official stores have screenings and fail-safes to try and weed out the malicious apps, sometimes one slips through. That exactly what happened recently. Here is what to look out for.
Smartphone apps your kids use that you don't know about
Teenagers are drawn to secretive behaviors. It’s all part of growing up and becoming independent. You want to respect their privacy but, at the same time, make sure they’re safe. Well, here are 10 apps you’ll want to scan their phones for and what you should know about them.
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Check your phone now for these malicious apps
The Google Play store has so many apps that many of us have no idea which ones are safe and which ones are not. These particular apps may seem like simple photo or editor apps but are actually malicious. Here is how to protect yourself.
Teens in the family? Here's the new app they're using
As parents, you’re ever-vigilant about what your kids are doing online. It’s hard to keep up, isn’t it? Especially with the amount of time your teenagers spend online and the volume of apps that are available for their smartphones. Last year, we told you about secret apps that people use to hide photos, videos and messages.
Privately browse the internet from your iPhone or Android with this app
We like to share tips with you on new apps that come to our attention, especially if they protect your data and create a safer environment for using your computers and smartphones. This one’s not new to the market by any means — it’s been around since 2009 — and it works on both iPhones and Android-powered smartphones.
Apps known to track you and steal your data
Have you ever had an app ask you to access your phone’s location? Of course you have, we all have. How about those apps that want access to your smartphone camera and contact list?
If you think about why they do this, it might creep you out. In this Komando on Demand podcast, you’ll learn the dirty secrets that some app developers don’t want you to know.
Warning! Delete these fake apps from your phone now
New apps are showing up in the Google Play store every day, and the bad news is they are not all legitimate! Nine new apps have been uncovered and have had over 8 million installs. This is very concerning as you are likely to have installed a fake app on your phone without even knowing about it.