Google has identified eleven malicious apps in the Google Play app store that have been signing users up for paid subscription services without their permission. The apps, which have been downloaded more than 600,000 times are disguised as convenient photo editing apps, camera apps, among others. This is called a trojan, because harmful code is hidden inside it.
Google has removed these apps. However, if you already installed them, you still need to remove them and check your financial accounts and Google Play billing history for subscriptions you did not approve. In addition to that, note that statistically there is always malware in the app store. Always exercise caution when downloading from the app store. Check for duplicates, go to the website of the correct app vendor and follow their link to the app store to avoid counterfeit and trojan apps. Also avoid installing apps that you haven’t researched and confirmed to be reputable and don’t give apps unnecessary permissions.
These are the apps you should check for and remove. Please note that some malicious apps are impersonating legitimate ones with the same name.
- Beauty Camera Plus (com.beauty.camera.plus.photoeditor)
- Beauty Photo Camera (com.apps.camera.photos)
- Beauty Slimming Photo Editor (com.beauty.slimming.pro)
- Fingertip Graffiti (com.draw.graffiti)
- GIF Camera Editor (com.gif.camera.editor)
- HD 4K Wallpaper (com.hd.h4ks.wallpaper)
- Impressionism Pro Camera (com.impressionism.prozs.app)
- Microclip Video Editor (com.microclip.vodeoeditor)
- Night Mode Camera Pro (com.urox.opixe.nightcamreapro)
- Photo Camera Editor (com.toolbox.photoeditor)
- Photo Effect Editor (com.picture.pictureframe)
Further Reading
9 Play Store Apps Stole Users’ Facebook Passwords
Apps That Will Make Your Web Experience Safer And More Private
Be Wary Of The Emerging Mobile Security Threat Called Smishing
