Malware Found on Google App Store

Post date: Dec 18, 2018 6:21:20 PM

Google Play Store Apps Containing Malware

By: Nelka Gonzales

  Do you still own and use a android phone? If so, it’s probably time to switch. About 13 apps (2 of the apps were trending) that were related to car/truck simulations were removed from the Play Store for carrying the virus (They were all made by “Luiz O Pinto”) The cover of the apps make it look normal with the realistic “3d graphics” shown in this image. Although the reviews reveal the truth, ranging around 3-2 stars reviews each, “The app tries to update via unknown sources. Most likely very unsafe. As others found, they couldn’t find the icon for the game once downloaded.”  The malware in these apps spread into the phone once the user taps on it. The app hides itself from the user when they get out of the app, & tells them to download another app in order to “use” the game.

    These can lead to the app to force the phone to install additional shady files. “Lukas Stefanko”, who researches and warns the public for viruses and malware (Mostly on android phones, with some of the apps being banks, and even a children’s coloring app.) , has made a video on Twitter showing how the malware works. This isn’t the first time that apps on the Google Play Store were malicious.

    On August 6, 2018, 145 apps were infected by malware and pulled off the Play Store.   Although it seems that Google Play is more prone to infecting android device