Bitdefender has discovered 10 Google Play apps that have been packed full of aggressive adware. These either subscribe users to premium-rate numbers using scareware messages or install additional apps that incorporate even more ads.
The apps (including the ‘What is my ip?’ app) were designed to use a different name when installed to give users a hard time identifying and uninstalling them.
Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Strategist at Bitdefender, states, “Once installed, these apps create a desktop shortcut named ‘System Manager’. Even if someone figures out that one of these apps is responsible for all the browser redirects and scareware messages, they’ll have a hard time locating and uninstalling the app as it hides under the misleading new name. Less tech-savvy users will likely be thrown off the scent, with the app remaining installed and running indefinitely.”
A forum community dedicated to tech experts and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about articles, computer security, Mac, Microsoft, Linux, hardware, networking, gaming, reviews, accessories, and more!