EXPERTS have alerted Android users of 101 apps allegedly capable of spying on your phone.
Researchers warn that the apps have been downloaded collectively more than 400million times, so you might want to check they’re not installed on your device.
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The spyware is capable of stealing private data on your phone and secretly sending it off to cyber thieves.
This could put sensitive things like your bank account at risk.
But the ability to extract files could also allow crooks to get hold of personal photos, videos and files.
Dr Web, who uncovered the nasty ruse, says many of the apps in question are mini-games that offer daily rewards.
It’s officially known as “SpinOk”.
“On the surface, the SpinOk module is designed to maintain users’ interest in apps with the help of mini games, a system of tasks, and alleged prizes and reward drawings,” experts said.
It’s not clear whether developers of the apps in question deliberately planted the suspicious tech or if they were deceived themselves.
If you have the app installed it’s worth seeing if an update is available via the Google Play Store to hopefully zap the threat away, reports Bleeping Computer.
Android apps not listed on the Google Play Store should be deleted as a precaution.
The most popular among the list include:
- Noizz: video editor with music – 100million downloads
- Zapya – File Transfer, Share (version 6.3.3 and 6.4) – 100million downloads
- VFly: video editor&video maker – 50million downloads
- MVBit – MV video status maker 50million downloads
- Biugo – video maker&video editor – 50million downloads
- Crazy Drop – 10million downloads
- Cashzine – Earn money reward – 10million downloads
- Fizzo Novel – Reading Offline – 10million downloads
- CashEM: Get Rewards – 5million downloads
- Tick: watch to earn 5million downloads
Dr Web has shared a full list on GitHub.
Google responded to the findings, saying: “‘Google Play has a robust set of policies aimed at keeping users safe and which all developers must follow.
“We don’t allow apps that maliciously target users for information, or purposefully try to defraud or cause harm.
“Anyone who believes they have found an app that violates our rules can report it to Google Play.
“When violations are found, we take appropriate action.”
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