Google Takes Down Apps With Over 5.8M Downloads For Stealing Users’ Passwords
Image via BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock.com
Google has removed nine Android apps from the Google Play Store, following analysts identifying that the apps were secretly nicking users’ Facebook passwords. In total, the apps had over 5.8 million downloads worldwide.
According to T3, the “trojan” apps enticed users into entering their Facebook login information to bypass in-app advertisements.
Russian anti-malware software company Dr. Web was the first to raise the alarm, as per Ars Technica. The malware had been found in a wide range of fully functional apps, ranging from exercise to photo editing and daily horoscopes.
Google has since permanently banned the apps’ developers from the Play Store entirely, ensuring they won’t be able to sneak any malware in future apps.
To be safe, it’s best to check your smartphone for any of the following apps, and delete them immediately should you come across them: App Lock Keep, Lockit Master, Horoscope Pi, App Lock Manager, PIP Photo, Processing Photo, Rubbish Cleaner, Inwell Fitness, and Horoscope Daily.
If you suspect your details have been compromised, be sure to change your Facebook login details and activate two-factor authentication, if possible.
[via T3, cover image via BigTunaOnline / Shutterstock.com]
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