Technology experts have warned smartphone users to remove some “dangerous” financial apps from their phones after they were found to be infected with malware.according to forbesThere are a total of 17 apps that can steal sensitive personal information such as account details, messages, and contacts. These are known as SpyLoan apps. According to experts, they are prevalent in Google’s Play Store and have also been found in Apple’s App Store.
“From the beginning of 2023, [our] “Researchers have observed an alarming increase in deceptive Android loan apps,” said Lukas Stefanko of cybersecurity firm ESET.
Stefanko said these “dangerous” apps can also be found on fraudulent websites and third-party app stores. Stefanko said these “masquerade as legitimate personal loan services and promise quick and easy access to funds.”
Tech experts explained that all of these apps are “sold through social media and SMS messages, and can be downloaded from dedicated scam websites or third-party app stores.” The apps are derived from the same source and will work the same way once installed, regardless of the store you downloaded them from.
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Cybersecurity firm ESET also noted that these apps were already targeting multiple countries and had generated more than 12 million downloads from Google Play before being removed.
These 17 “dangerous” apps include AA Kredit, Amor Cash, GuayabaCash, EasyCredit, Cashwow, CrediBus, FlashLoan, PrestamosCredito, Prestamos De Credito-YumiCash, Go Credito, Instantaneo Prestamo, Cartera grande, Rapido Credito, Finupp Lending, Includes 4S Cash, TrueNaira and EasyCash.
Users who find the above apps on their phones should immediately delete them and change their device, financial account and Wi-Fi passwords, the media reported. You should also pay attention to symptoms of a potential malware infection, such as suspicious alerts or emails.