INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Android users have downloaded fake apps which slow down their devices and drain their batteries millions of times according to research from
Trend Micro.Researchers at the cybersecurity firm found 85 different photography and gaming apps that were filled with adware on the Google
These fraudulent apps have been downloaded more than eight million times to user's smartphones and tablets.Trend Micro has published a
full list of the fake apps but some of the most popular ones were Super Selfie, Cos Camera, Pop Camera and Line Puzzle.Mobile threat
potential real-life impact on Google Play
Trend Micro detects this as AndroidOS_Hidenad.HRXH
avoid detection was to create a shortcut for the app on a device's home screen 30 minutes after the app was installed
This helped the apps to become more visible while also deterring Android users from uninstalling them.When launched, the apps functioned in
much the same way as the photography or gaming apps they were trying to impersonate
However, they also displayed long, full-screen advertisements that are impossible to close.Google has since removed the fake apps from the
Play Store after Trend Micro informed the company of its findings
Although the apps are no longer available on the Play Store, users who have already downloaded one of the fake apps will have to manually
delete the app to fully remove it from their devices.Via The Independent
