ANDROID owners have been urged to delete three dangerous apps masquerading as messengers on the Google Play Store.
ESET cyber researchers have raised the alarm about a trio of nasty apps that aim to steal Android owners’ personal information – and even their banking credentials.
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These apps present themselves as messaging services and offer basic but functional services like bait.
On the surface, they work and seem legitimate – but they are not.
Behind the scenes, they hide open-source XploitSPY malware.
Hackers have been advertising these apps – and others like them – on websites and in the Google Play Store.
Although Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps, some slip through the cracks.
The apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, location, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram.
Android owners were encouraged to check their devices for these three apps:
- Dink Messenger
- Sim Information
- Defcom
If you have downloaded one of these apps, it is advisable to delete them immediately.
They have since been removed from the Google Play Store, but they may still be hiding on your phone.
They are part of a targeted campaign, which began in November 2021, to distribute malware on Android phones, primarily in India and Pakistan, according to ESET.
Five more risky apps
In February, Android owners were warned about another five risky apps that had recently been removed from the Google Play Store.
The group contains a hidden banking trojan called Anatsa, which has previously targeted users in several countries, including the United Kingdom.
Once the app is on your phone, a hacker can take control and perform tasks without you knowing.
The most harmful thing they can do is access personal information and make payments from your banking apps.
Apps to watch out for and delete are:
- Phone Cleaner – File Explorer
- PDF Viewer – File Explorer
- PDF Reader – Viewer and Editor
- Phone Cleaner: File Explorer
- PDF Reader: File Manager
How to delete apps on Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- In the top right corner, tap the Profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps and devices. To manage.
- Select the name of the app you want to delete.
- Tap Uninstall.
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