Battery-draining Android apps with 20 million downloads pulled from the Google Play Store

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Even though they have been pulled from the Google Play store if your phone is draining faster you may have downloaded one and will remain infected until you uninstall it.

Excerpt:

"Cybersecurity researchers at McAfee identity apps which infect users with malware for adware fraud - users are urged to uninstall them as soon as possible.

Sixteen Android apps downloaded by a combined total of over 20 million users have been removed from the Google Play store after it was discovered they contained malware which uses up data and drains batteries.  

The malware has been discovered by cybersecurity researchers at McAfee who reported them to Google. The apps are no longer available on Google Play – but users who've already downloaded the apps will still be infected unless they uninstall them. 

 

The apps are designed to look like utilities including flashlights, QR code readers, camera enhancers, unit converters, task managers and more.  

The apps contained clicker malware - malware which secretly runs in the background and clicks on illicit advertising links to generate ad revenue. 

While clicker malware might not be as dangerous to users as malware which steals passwords or bank details, it still causes disruption by draining the battery or using up mobile data. The latter could cost victims money if it takes them over their data allowance and they're charged for it. "

Source with link to lists and more info:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/battery-draining-android-apps-with-20-million-downloads-pulled-from-the-google-play-store/?ftag=TREc64629f&bhid={%24external_id}&mid={%24MESSAGE_ID}&cid={%24contact_id}