How to Turn Off Automatic Update Apps on Mobile?
The Android operating system is highly regarded for its versatility, offering a…
As technology advances across various spheres of life, cybercriminals continue to develop innovative methods to evade detection mechanisms, infiltrating platforms with malicious apps.
Despite efforts by platforms such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store to enhance security protocols, cybercriminals persist in circumventing detection mechanisms and introducing harmful apps onto these platforms.
They exploit users by disguising malicious apps as free services, often escaping detection until it’s too late, resulting in data breaches and financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
Recently, reports emerged of malicious apps, downloaded over 150,000 times on the Google Play Store, distributing the Anatsa banking Trojan malware, compromising the security of users’ devices.
Android apps you should delete to secure your smartphone
*Phone Cleaner – File Explorer
*PDF Viewer – File Explorer
*PDF Reader – Viewer & Editor
*Phone Cleaner: File Explorer
*PDF Reader: File Manager
As reported by BleepingComputer, the Anatsa cybercriminal group, based in Europe, has been distributing free PDF and counterfeit cleaner applications through the Google Play store. They exploit Android’s Accessibility Service with a multi-stage infection process to bypass security checks by Android 13 and Google.
This underscores the importance for users to exercise caution when downloading free applications from app stores, as they may harbor malicious Trojans capable of compromising device security.
Furthermore, users should remain vigilant of free applications that might charge for services via payment methods or advertisements, or even enroll users in paid services without their consent.
Steps to safeguard smartphone from malware apps
-Do not download any free application if you think is not important and avoid messing your device with unnecessary apps.
-If you are downloading any application from the Google Play Store, check reviews and ratings before proceeding and avoid downloading those apps with poor reviews or limited downloads.
-On your Android phones, activate Google Play Protect to scan existing apps for malicious activity.
-Stay alert when downloading new apps, conducting research to find reputable options rather than installing random apps from the Play Store.
By adhering to these guidelines and promptly removing any suspicious apps from your device, you can strengthen your smartphone against potential threats.