Don't Download This Malware Contained App On The Google Play Store

Researchers have just found four apps carrying malicious malware that can be downloaded on the Google Play Store. (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA - Researchers have just found four apps carrying malicious malware that can be downloaded on the Google Play Store.

First discovered by researchers from Malwarebytes detailing in blog posts, how they found a total of four apps, all from the same account, the Mobile Group app.

The app includes Bluetooth Auto Connect, Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Mobile Transfer: Smart Switch, and Bluetooth App Sender. All of them have been downloaded more than a million times, and obviously all of them should be utility apps.

However, they are actually designed to provide developers with inappropriate advertising income, and sometimes trick potential victims into downloading infosteallers, malware or other types of viruses.

Researchers found this app brought HiddenAds, which is an active malware a few days after the app was downloaded to better hide malicious activity.

Launching TechRadar, Friday, November 4, after the malware starts working, it will do several things, such as opening a new Chrome tab in the background to load various ads.

In fact, these ads are very dangerous, claiming the victim's device is infected with the virus then they will need antivirus in the app soon.

Although Google is usually fast enough to remove such apps from its app stores, all four are still active and can be downloaded.

What's more, if the company removes it, it will only protect potential victims in the future. However, millions of users who have downloaded this app will not be safe unless they remove it from the device completely.

In addition, researchers also often find malicious applications in the main mobile application repositories, the Play Store and the App Store.

Despite Google and Apple's best efforts, sometimes this app manages to get through, meaning just being in this store doesn't guarantee the app is clean. Users are advised to always read some reviews, especially negative ones, and look for high-ranked apps and high number of downloads.