The malware was hidden in apps that were on Google Play.
Malicious apps were difficult to identify without a closer look. Adobe Stock / Twitter / Maxime Ingrao
The new malware spread through the Google Play app store. Malicious applications had been downloaded more than three million times in total.
The malware called Autolycos was discovered by a researcher Maxime Ingrao and reported on the matter Bleeping Computer.
The malware was embedded in applications that looked like different image and video editing applications or keyboard applications, for example. For example, the malicious Vlog Star Video Editor and Creative 3D Launcher applications had both been downloaded a million times.
Listed below are the malicious apps found by Ingrao that have now been removed from the Google app store.
- Vlog Star Video Editor – 1 million downloads
- Creative 3D Launcher – 1 million downloads
- Fynny Camera – 500,000 downloads
- Wow Beauty Camera – 100,000 downloads
- Gif Emoji Keyboard – 100,000 downloads
- Razer Keyboard & Theme – 50,000 downloads
- Freeglow Camera 1.0.0 – 5000 downloads
- Coco Camera v1.1 – 1000 downloads
If you downloaded the infected application to your phone, the malware tried to get the user’s order by placing expensive orders without their knowledge. The apps asked for permission to access the phone’s data, such as text messages. Apps try to appear trustworthy in the app store with positive bot reviews.
Ingrao told Bleeping Computer that he discovered the malicious applications already in June 2021 and that he informed Google about it at that time. However, it took Google half a year to remove six of the reported apps. It was alarming that two apps Funny Camera (KellyTech) and Razer Keyboard & Theme (rxcheldiolola) remained in the app store until last week.
These signs can reveal malware
Malware hiding in the phone can cause the device to show symptoms in different ways. DNA has listed signs of malware nesting on the phone.
For example, ads appearing on the screen, the phone slowing down and the battery draining quickly can be signs of malware.
The activity of malware can also be revealed from the message or call history, if the malware has access to these functions. It is also worth monitoring whether applications appear on the phone that you have not downloaded yourself.
Apps crashing and increased data usage can be signs of malware.