Recent security threats have seen smartphones becoming the new target of choice for cyber-criminals. One prominent technique is for malicious developers to submit apps to trusted app stores and then add malware code to the apps through later updates. Potentially, this means that apps downloaded from places like the Google Play store could turn against you. The good news, however, is that these trusted app stores are fighting back.
Engineering and Technology have recently reported that Google has removed over 500 apps, that were secretly installing spyware onto their user’s devices, from the Play Store. These legitimate looking apps had clocked up a staggering 100 million downloads but they all held a dark secret.
Researchers, Lookout, alerted Google to the danger presented by apps that contained a malicious version of an advertising plugin called lgexin. Lgexin is a third party plugin that is added to apps by virtuous developers as a way to monetize their apps. This is a new development, Lookout said:
“Igexin is somewhat unique because the app developers themselves are not creating the malicious functionality, nor are they in control or even aware of the malicious payload that may subsequently execute,”
The malicious version of lgexin allows hackers to collect user information including call histories, GPS locations, nearby WIFI and a list of other apps installed on the device. Although not all version lgexin are malicious Google has responded by removing all apps that contained the plugin from the Play Store.
No official list of the apps that have been removed has been released but Lookout included screenshots of the apps SelfieCity and Lucky Cash in their blog post.
All of this underlines the growing threats that are faced by internet users these days and why it is increasingly important to remain vigilant when installing new software onto your devices. To make sure you and your devices are as secure as possible you should check out the links below:
Via: Engineering and Technology, Lookout
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