It’s unfortunate how often we hear about apps containing malware on Google’s platform (not that they’re alone with a malware problem). Each time we learn about new trojans, it’s a reminder to stay diligent when downloading new apps. This time, the newly-discovered apps have over two million downloads combined, meaning a lot of devices have been compromised.
Cybersecurity Doctor Web discovered a trojan on the Play Store by the name of “Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master.” This app purported to be for OS optimization, claiming to improve the performance of Android on your smartphone. Instead, the app secretly communicates with developers through Firebase Cloud Messaging or AppMetrica Push SDK, display ads on victims’ smartphones, or use those devices as proxy servers. If you had the app installed on your Android, for example, third parties could route their traffic through your device.
This app had less than 1,000 downloads, which, while not ideal, isn’t a huge malware breakout. However, Doctor Web also discovered other trojans using Firebase Cloud Messaging to communicate with their developers, this time used to load specific websites. They discovered three apps that fit the bill here: “Volume, Music Equalizer” with 50,000 downloads, “Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB” driver with 100,000 downloads, and “Bluetooth device auto connect” with one million downloads. Bluetooth device auto connect advertised itself as a solution for improving your Bluetooth connection, as well as providing an automatic connection to Bluetooth devices so that you could theoretically bypass Android’s Bluetooth settings menu every time you wanted to join.
“Bluetooth device auto connect” isn’t the only trojan with that many downloads. “TubeBox” also had over one million downloads alone, likely because it pulled people in as an easy way to make money. Users would only need to watch videos with ads in the app, which would theoretically generate coins and coupons that they could later redeem for real money. The problem was that no one could actually redeem their credits due to “problems reported by the app.” As you might guess, the app never intended to payout any money to users. Instead, developers pocketed all ad revenue generated from users’ viewing history for themselves. While we don’t have stats on those numbers, the fact the app was download more than one million times means the scammers likely walked away with a good chuck of ad money.
Protect yourself from malware apps on Google’s Play Store
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t have any type of alert to suggest an app you’re looking at is potentially malware. Once they approve an app, it appears in the store like any other, until Google learns something about the app to have it taken down. However, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your device safe.
First off, always inspect an app’s Play Store page in full before downloading it. Does the app’s name make sense? “Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB” is a terrible name for an app, and screams malware to me. Next, check the graphics and app description. Does everything seem carefully designed and well put together? Does the app’s description match the intended use? Are things misspelled or poorly written? Those can be big red flags.
Reviews are a big help, too. Often, users who download malware complain about the app’s effects on their phone. You might see negative comments about the number of ads users are served, how slow it makes their phone, or how the app doesn’t do anything it’s intended for. If you see enough of these warning signs, you should stay away.
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