CloudSEK, an Indian cybersecurity and threat prediction company, has made a concerning discovery regarding widespread malware on the Google Play Store that is affecting millions of Android users globally.
The company released a press statement revealing that it has identified a total of 193 apps on the Play Store infected with the Android.Spy.SpinOk SDK, of which 43 are still available on the Android app store.
CloudSEK estimates that these apps have been downloaded over 5 million times, with a total of 30 million users being impacted by the malicious software. In addition to these recent discoveries, other similar apps have previously been identified by DrWeb.
Android apps affected with malware
The most downloaded apps that are affected by this malware include HexaPop Link 2248, Macaron Match, Macaron Boom, Jelly Connect, Tiler Master, Crazy Magic Ball, Bitcoin Master, Happy 2048, and Mega Win Slots. CM Studio developed three of these apps and Zhinuo Technology Co., Ltd. developed two.
The majority of these affected apps belong to the casual gaming category, which indicates that they are typically downloaded and then left on a user’s device indefinitely following brief use.
DrWeb was credited with initially raising alarm bells regarding apps infected with the malicious SDK, which is capable of collecting information on local Android files and transferring it to the threat actors. Users’ clipboards may also be affected, leading to potential exposure of passwords and other sensitive information.
CloudSEK advises Android users to download antivirus software from trusted providers to monitor and flag potential threats. It also urges smartphone users to maintain vigilance when browsing their device’s app store and to watch out for potential red flags. As of yet, Google has not responded to TechRadar Pro’s request for comment regarding what measures it takes to monitor the Play Store for malware.
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