Eight harmful applications available on Google Play Store are setting their sights on users’ money. With these applications being downloaded more than 3 million times in total, the severity of the situation intensifies. Security experts recommend these apps be promptly uninstalled to ensure both your phone’s and your money’s safety.
Applications Identified with the Malicious Autolycos Software
Harmful applications targeting phones with the Android operating system have been identified by a security researcher. These applications contain a malicious software named Autolycos.
Autolycos, found in at least eight applications on Google Play Store, is financially damaging to users. This software, first discovered in 2021, subscribes users to paid services without their knowledge. However, it took approximately six months for Autolycos to be investigated and identified as harmful by Google.
During this time, the eight applications containing the malicious software were downloaded more than 3 million times.
Applications Stealing Your Personal Information and Money That You Need to Protect
Security experts advise that the following applications should be immediately uninstalled to ensure the safety of both your phone and your money. Here are the dangerous applications that contain malicious software and are stealing your money:
1. Razer Keyboard & Theme — 10,000+ downloads
2. Vlog Star Video Editor — 1,000,000+ downloads
3. Funny Camera — 500,000+ downloads
4. Coco Camera — 1,000+ downloads
5. Creative 3D Launcher — 1,000,000+ downloads
6. GIF Keyboard — 100,000+ downloads
7. Freeglow Camera — 5,000+ downloads
8. Wow Camera — 100,00+ downloads
Methods to Protect Against Malicious Software
It’s important for users to be aware and able to recognize harmful software. Be careful when downloading applications, and avoid downloading apps from unknown or untrustworthy sources. Additionally, by checking app reviews and ratings, you can glean insights into whether or not the app is trustworthy.
Furthermore, paying attention to what permissions an application requests is also important. For example, a flashlight app requesting access to your contacts could be a sign that the app might be harmful.
For the protection of your private information and financial security, it’s important to immediately uninstall these types of applications from your mobile phone. Be especially cautious of applications that could gain access to your banking information or personal data.
The Importance of Protecting Against Malicious Software
Malicious software can cause substantial financial damage by stealing users’ financial information. Moreover, the theft of personal information results in violations of users’ privacy rights.
Therefore, being careful when downloading apps, checking app permissions, and avoiding downloading apps from unknown sources are the most crucial ways to protect against malicious software.
Conclusion
Our mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. However, this fact has not gone unnoticed by those with malicious intent. Applications containing harmful software that financially damage users are causing users to suffer financial losses.
For this reason, we recommend that you immediately uninstall the aforementioned applications from your mobile phone. For the safety of both your personal information and your financial security, we advise you to steer clear of such dangerous applications. Being careful and conscious when downloading applications is of utmost importance to prevent the damage caused by malicious software.
