MILLIONS of unsuspecting Android users have downloaded “harmful” knock off apps from the Google Play Store, experts say.
Hackers have been caught copying legitimate apps and uploading them onto the digital store riddled with a nasty trojan virus.
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It’s known as Harly, after the Batman villain Harley Quinn (even though it’s spelt differently).
According to Kaspersky, almost 200 apps have been found to contain Harly since 2020.
They range from simple address books, to translator services and call screen modifiers.
It’s believed that such apps may have been downloaded around 4.8million times.
But experts suspect the actual figure may be even higher.
The apps have been removed from the app store but it could be too late if you’ve already downloaded one – in which case, you should delete them immediately.
How does the Harly trojan work?
Harly is quite similar to another notorious trojan called the Jocker Trojan subscriber.
The reason it’s so bad is because it cunningly subscribes you to paid services without you even knowing it.
Hackers achieve this by modifying some of the tech in the app’s code to deceive your phone.
In doing this, it can then secretly get hold of text message security codes, used to sign you up to stuff.
Which apps are infested with the Harly trojan?
Some 190 apps with the trojan hidden on it have been detected since 2020.
According to the Daily Express, they include:
- Pony Camera
- Live Wallpaper&Themes Launcher
- Action Launcher & Wallpapers
- Color Call
- Good Launcher
- Mondy Widgets
- Funcalls-Voice Changer
- Eva Launcher
- Newlook Launcher
- Pixel Screen Wallpaper
How to stay safe from dangerous apps
Apps are constantly checked by moderators on Android but sadly some baddies can sneak through the net.
It’s best to always look at the reviews before downloading an app to see what others are claiming.
Similarly, have a look at who owns the app and judge whether they are trustworthy – maybe search them online separately too.
A good antivirus app could come in handy as well.
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