Beware of these applications that you may have installed without knowing how malicious they are. An unscrupulous developer published four apps on the Google Play Store that have been downloaded more than a million times. If any of them are on your phone, it’s best to uninstall them immediately.
Applications to uninstall immediately
Some apps abuse advertising and collection of personal dataand unfortunately, this is exactly the case with those of the developer Mobile Apps Group. These four apps are still available on the Google Play Store, and they work in the background to generate advertising revenue by opening web pages or tricking users into installing malicious files.
This developer has already been flagged several times for distributing adware. However, after releasing “clean” versions of its applications, it was allowed to offer its software again. Here is the list of the four applications in question:
- Bluetooth Auto Connect
- Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Mobile transfer: smart switch
- Bluetooth App Sender
These apps have been a hit, with over a million downloads on Android devices. Some users have issued warnings, such as this comment posted in January 2021: “Do not download!!! Installs adware that displays ads when the phone is unlocked, even when the application is closed! It’s a shame for a paid app. » The developer, shamelessly, even responded by apologizing for “some advertisements”, while suggesting switching to the paid version.
Advertising that takes its time
What makes these applications particularly insidious is their ability to be discreet. Rather than bombarding the user upon installation, they wait 72 hours before displaying the first ad or redirecting to a phishing link. Then ads and tabs open at an increasingly frequent rate, every two hours, even when the phone is locked.
Imagine waking up in the morning, and turning on your phone, to be greeted by an avalanche of ads and phishing pages. These apps literally turn your phone into an ad machine.
How to protect yourself?
To avoid this type of malicious application, here are some practical tips:
- Install apps only from trusted sources : The Play Store remains a reference, but even there, we must remain vigilant. Avoid installing APK files from unknown sites.
- Read user reviews : If an app has already tricked other people, they will probably have left a comment. Take the time to read reviews and check for any mentions of suspicious behavior.
- Monitor your battery behavior : An application that runs in the background often consumes more power. If your phone suddenly drains faster, this could be a sign.
- Use a reliable antivirus : A good antivirus for Android can be a great ally in detecting and removing malicious applications before they cause damage.
To stay up to date on application security and best practices, be sure to review the recommendations from the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI). This information can help you protect your personal data and avoid this type of trap.
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