"PhoneSpy" malware detected in 23 Android apps. However, none of these apps are available via the Google Play Store. None of them are mentioned by name in the 91mobiles report either. It is also worth noting that this particular malware is very active in the United States and Korea.
'PhoneSpy' malware detected in 23 Android apps
This malware is very common in apps outside the Play Store. It usually lies in the apps that pretend to be legit apps that are well known, which users download to avoid paying for it.
This malware is able to steal important data from your smartphone, including messages, photos, and calls, and it can also access your phone's location remotely.
If other apps permissions are granted, it can also access the full list of installed apps and record audio and video while accessing the microphone at the same time. It can even get device information like IMEI number, device name and brand.
This malware was spotted by Zimperium, a mobile security agency. The application infected with this malware is said to be able to uninstall any user-installed applications, including mobile security applications.
It's best to stick to legitimate, verified app stores
So, you see, PhonySpy can do a lot of damage if you let it. What is the best way to protect yourself? Well, download the apps from the Google Play Store. If you have to, also use legitimate app stores and trusted sources.
Downloading random APK files you found who knows where just to avoid paying for an app can get you a lot of trouble. PhoneSpy is just an example of the malware lurking in such apps, there are plenty of others out there.
So, if you have to load an app, be very careful while doing so. Make sure that it comes from a reliable source, and that it has been verified one way or another. However, for most people, it would be best to just stick with the Google Play Store and other trusted app stores.
'PhoneSpy' malware detected in 23 Android apps
This malware is very common in apps outside the Play Store. It usually lies in the apps that pretend to be legit apps that are well known, which users download to avoid paying for it.
This malware is able to steal important data from your smartphone, including messages, photos, and calls, and it can also access your phone's location remotely.
If other apps permissions are granted, it can also access the full list of installed apps and record audio and video while accessing the microphone at the same time. It can even get device information like IMEI number, device name and brand.
This malware was spotted by Zimperium, a mobile security agency. The application infected with this malware is said to be able to uninstall any user-installed applications, including mobile security applications.
It's best to stick to legitimate, verified app stores
So, you see, PhonySpy can do a lot of damage if you let it. What is the best way to protect yourself? Well, download the apps from the Google Play Store. If you have to, also use legitimate app stores and trusted sources.
Downloading random APK files you found who knows where just to avoid paying for an app can get you a lot of trouble. PhoneSpy is just an example of the malware lurking in such apps, there are plenty of others out there.
So, if you have to load an app, be very careful while doing so. Make sure that it comes from a reliable source, and that it has been verified one way or another. However, for most people, it would be best to just stick with the Google Play Store and other trusted app stores.
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