Millions of people are at risk after downloading dangerous applications on their smartphones.
cyber security company McAfee It identified 15 malicious apps downloaded on at least 8 million Android phones and warned of a “significant increase in predatory lending apps globally.”
The app, which McAfee calls a “global threat,” was later reported to Google moderators. Some have been removed from the Google Play Store while others have been updated by the app developers.
According to McAfee, apps in the Google Play Store typically: McAfee
So-called lending apps promise users quick loans, but ultimately end up harming them. Malicious software can trick users into giving up sensitive information, give them access to other apps on their devices, and lead to “extortion, harassment and financial loss.” ”
Reviews of the app are full of five-star ratings, but some disgruntled customers have expressed their frustration with the company, threatening them and calling the company a “scam.”
“SpyLoan apps are intrusive financial applications that lure users with promises of fast, flexible loans, often with low interest rates and minimal requirements,” McAfee’s report states.
“Ultimately, rather than providing true financial support, these apps can lead users into a vicious cycle of debt and privacy violations.”
McAfee’s investigation identified 15 applications that behaved maliciously. McAfee
SpyLoan applications have become a widespread problem over the past four years, but McAfee warns that “there has been a dramatic surge in their activity recently.” According to the cybersecurity company, the volume of SpyLoan apps and infected devices surged 75% between the end of the second quarter and the end of the third quarter of this year.
Cybersecurity company ESET Previously issued a warning Last year, 17 of SpyLoan apps were found lurking in the Google Play Store, prompting Android users to recommend deleting them.
In addition to uninstalling software from their phones, users are also advised to closely research the application and developer before downloading anything onto their personal devices. McAfee recommends double-checking whether the developer is registered and licensed in your country and reading reviews from others who have downloaded the app.
The SpyLoan app promises quick loans, but is ultimately used to access sensitive data. McAfee
According to McAfee, users should carefully review and limit what permissions are granted to the applications they download, update their devices regularly and be careful about sharing sensitive information.
Users can also report apps they suspect to be fraudulent, and report them to local authorities if they become victims of cybercrime.
