Many times we install programs that can pose a security problem, even though they may seem harmless. This is what happens with these Android applications that we are going to show. They have really been designed to steal passwords and spy on the victims. We are going to talk about how they can affect you and what you should do to avoid installing software of this type on your devices and thus avoid security problems.
Fake apps steal data on Android
This is a series of programs that have more than two million installations . Therefore, it could affect many users who have installed any of these applications. The problem is that they have managed to sneak into Google Play, the official store of Android applications. This means that they have passed a security filter and many have been able to install them thinking that they really were reliable programs. It is not the first time this has happened.
They are mainly applications that promise to improve performance on the device and optimize it. Many users resort to these programs because their mobile is slow or they have a problem, but in reality what ends up happening is that they can spy on them, sneak malware or steal passwords.
Some apps, like TubeBox , promise financial rewards simply for watching videos or ads through their app. But beyond being a scam and never giving those rewards, what they do do is collect information from the victim. A problem that will compromise privacy.
These are the apps that are really a scam:
- Bluetooth device auto connect – is a Bluetooth related application and has over a million downloads
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi & USB driver : also related to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, it has more than 100,000 downloads
- Volume, Music Equalizer – An app to control volume and music
- Fast Cleaner & Cooling Master – promises to optimize the device and make it work better
All of these apps load URLs that lead to web pages where they load fraudulent ads onto infected devices. In some cases, attackers even have remote access to the device and can use it as a proxy server. Other applications related to loans and banks have also been widely used.
How to avoid fake apps on Android
So what can we do to avoid installing applications that are really frauds? The main thing is to look very well where the downloads come from . But of course, we have seen that sometimes they even sneak them into Google Play. Therefore, beyond that, it is also convenient to see ratings from other users, comments and detect anything strange.
Also, if you install an app and see that it doesn’t work as it should, looks weird, or finds anything else that makes you wonder, it’s best to uninstall it right away . This will prevent them from further infecting the device or stealing data without you noticing.
On the other hand, having security programs is interesting. A good antivirus can help detect malware of this type and avoid installing fake programs. They can hack a mobile remotely and it is essential to be protected so as not to have problems of any kind.
You should also keep in mind the importance of updating the device. In many cases, hackers take advantage of vulnerabilities that may exist. Always install the latest versions and in this way you will avoid problems.