Protect Your Data: 5 Steps to Take After Discovering Spyware Apps Sharing Information with China
Cybercriminals are becoming more adept at evading security measures and successfully infiltrating Android smartphones. They achieve this through various means, such as embedding malware in seemingly harmless apps on app stores or using malicious links in emails, social media, and texts. This poses a significant threat to smartphone users as it jeopardizes their personal information and banking credentials. In a recent alarming incident, two spyware apps were discovered on the Google Play Store, impacting a staggering 1.5 million users.
This comes from mobile cybersecurity company Pradeo, who revealed in a blog post that two apps from the same developer share similar malicious behavior. Apps masquerade as file management tools as they quietly steal sensitive user information. The alarming fact is that the spyware sends all the users’ most important information to several servers located in China.
The applications in question are “File Recovery and Data Recovery”. The former has over 1 million installs, while “File Manager” reportedly has over 0.5 million installs. Both apps claim that they do not collect sensitive information about users. However, according to Pradeo’s report, the behavioral analysis engine shows that both apps collect personal data, such as users’ contact information, from the device itself and from all connected accounts, such as email, social networks, media, real-time location, mobile phone country. code, network service provider name, SIM service provider network code, operating system version number, and device make and model.
What should Android users do?
Firstly, smartphone users must remove these apps from their devices if they have been accidentally downloaded. In addition, follow these precautions:
- Cybersecurity firm Pradeo has suggested that you should be careful when downloading Android apps that don’t have any reviews, even if they have tens of thousands of users.
- You must carefully read the reviews if any as it helps to understand the true nature of the app.
- Before accepting the permission, please read them carefully.
- You should also keep your phone protected with antivirus software so that you know the danger early and act against it.
- Remember to update your Android phone with the latest security patches.
