Cybersecurity experts have detected SharkBot malware in several apps on the Google Play Store, which has attracted thousands of downloads.
In another shocking revelation, the Google Play Store, which is said to contain only secured apps, was found to have many apps with malware inside, infecting users’ gadgets. downloaded any of them. Recently, cybersecurity experts have found variants of SharkBot malware in several file management Android apps on the Google Play Store. Some of these apps have thousands of downloads, and all of these people now have virus-infected phones.
A blog post by cybersecurity experts at Bitdefender announced that “the applications that Bitdefender found were disguised as file managers, which explains why they asked for permission to install the files. external packages from the user.” Yes, that permission is used to download malware. These applications are even difficult to detect because all they need is the function of the file manager to install another application and the malicious behavior will be triggered.
Should Android users be worried?
These apps have been removed from the Play Store by Google. However, these apps are still widely circulated on some third-party websites, so be aware before downloading malware apps. Furthermore, those who have downloaded these dangerous apps must quickly remove them from their phones. How to identify them? Continue reading.
The first malware app detected was ‘X-File Manager’, which was developed by ‘Viktor Soft ICe LLC’ and had around 10000 installs before being removed from the Play Store. In addition, the team found ‘FileVoyager’, ‘Phone AID, Cleaner, Booster’ and ‘LiteCleaner M’. The majority of users who downloaded these malware apps came from the UK and Italy.
TIPS to avoid malware apps
- To avoid falling victim to such malware apps, make sure your Android software is up to date.
- Think twice before you download any app even from Google Play Store. Despite the fact that Google keeps an eye on such adware and malware, some malicious apps can still make their way into the Play Store.
- Also, perform a manual virus scan on downloaded files before you open them.
- Read about the app developers before downloading those apps.
