Just last month, Google removed over 50+ apps from Play store & just recently Google bans 25 apps for allegedly stealing Facebook login details. Data security is no doubt very important considering how fast technology & the internet is growing. You might want to see this post I wrote sometimes back on how to secure your website & protect it from hackers by installing free SSL on your sites (Opens in New Tab)
In this article, I shall be sharing the full list & in-case you have them on your phone, you might want to consider un-installing them too.
As reported by ZDNet, the latest attack is incredibly serious as it’s able to target users of Facebook with personal details and credentials stolen by hackers from social network accounts.
Once any of these apps are installed the hidden code embedded within the app then sets about stealing personal data via some nasty tactics. With the malicious code automatically activated it then lies in wait until the Android phone user launches Facebook.
Upon launching Facebook, these apps have the ability to mimic the popular social media site and overlay a web browser window on top of the official Facebook app. This well-produced fake login page is almost impossible to spot and users are easily tricked into entering their user names and password which is sent to hackers to use at a later date.
The shocking malware was discovered by French cyber-security firm Evina who has confirmed that the apps were able to infiltrate devices by offering genuine functionality.
See below the full list of 25 apps, their names, and package ID, are listed below.
| Super Wallpapers Flashlight |
| Padenatef |
| Wallpaper Level |
| Contour Level Wallpaper |
| iPlayer & iWallpaper |
| Video Maker |
| Color Wallpapers |
| Pedometer |
| Powerful Flashlight |
| Super Bright Flashlight |
| Super Flashlight |
| Solitaire Game |
| Accurate Scanning of QR Code |
| Classic Card Game |
| Junk File Cleaning |
| Synthetic Z |
| File Manager |
| Composite Z |
| Screenshot Capture |
| Daily Horoscope Wallpapers |
| Wuxia Reader |
| Plus Weather |
| Anime Live Wallpaper |
| iHealth Step Counter |
| com.tqyapp.fiction |
Although when Google removes malicious apps from the Google Store, the company also disables the apps on a user’s devices and notifies users via the Play Protect service included with the official Play Store app but personally, I would encourage you check your device and also uninstall them manually from your devices.
Some of the apps had been available on the Play Store for more than a year before they were removed.
If you use an Android smartphone, going forward you might want to consider which apps you install on your phone. Many of these phishing apps pose as step counters, image editors, video editors, wallpaper apps, flashlight applications, file managers, and mobile games.
With over 2 million downloads combined, these 25 apps have been removed from Google Play store earlier this month after Google verified the French security firm’s findings.
Take note that some of the apps had been available on the Play Store for more than a year before they were removed therefore if there is anyone you think might be at risk please copy the url in the browser and send to the person or use any of the share buttons below.
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You just might save someone from becoming a victim. Please join us in creating more awareness on these apps by sharing this post to as many as possible. If you suspect any apps or has similar experiences, please feel free to share in the comment section below.
