Tech-security buffs are warning Android smartphone and tablet users about a swarm of dangerous mobile applications that have been downloaded millions of times from the Google Play Store.
Since 2020, over 190 apps with a strain of 'Harly' malware have been installed - with the virus able to steal personal information and even money via expensive subscription plans.
The programming was discovered by anti-virus provider Kaspersky, and it's been called Harly due to its similarities to another infamous Android virus - Joker. Comic book fans and lovers of the DC cinematic universe will be familiar with both of these names, and like the characters portrayed, the bugs share various similarities.
Read more: The latest scams being used by fraudsters to con people out of their cash or personal details
The Express reports that the Harly malware is capable of signing Android users up to expensive subscription services without them realising it - by secretly obtaining text message security codes. Once of course stolen, these details can be used to sign Android users up to costly subscriptions without their knowledge.
Harly can also verify subscriptions via phone calls, and make sure victims don't realise that this has happened. If undetected, this can lead to people waving goodbye to hundreds of pounds each year.
Speaking about how these dangerous apps managed to sneak onto the Google Play Store, Kaspersky said : "Since 2020 more than 190 apps infected with Harly have been found on Google Play. A conservative estimate of the number of downloads of these apps is 4.8 million, but the actual figure may be even higher.
"Just like the Jocker Trojans, Trojans in the Harly family imitate legitimate apps. So how does it work? The scammers download ordinary apps from Google Play, insert malicious code into them, then upload them to Google Play under a different name. The apps may still have the features that are listed in the description, so the users may not even suspect a threat."
Kaspersky also highlighted a number of affected Play Store apps which Android users should stay vigilant of - some of which have been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times already. And whilst all of the below apps have been subsequently removed from the marketplace since, users are urged to delete them from their devices should they have installed them beforehand.
Pony Camera - Over 500,000 downloads
Live Wallpaper&Themes Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
Action Launcher & Wallpapers - Over 100,000 downloads
Color Call - Over 100,000 downloads
Good Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
Mondy Widgets - Over 100,000 downloads
Funcalls-Voice Changer - Over 100,000 downloads
Eva Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
Newlook Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
Pixel Screen Wallpaper - Over 100,000 downloads
In terms of staying safe in the future from dangerous apps which sneak through the filter onto the Google Play Store, users are urged to always pay close attention to application reviews. You might come across write-ups from other users who have already fallen victim to a scam, who are warning others against it.
It's also best practice to look into app developers, and only using the more trusty and reputable ones, who are renowned and well-known. Anti-virus software installed directly onto your device can also help stay clear or threats and malware - but be sure to download this from an official app and trusted provider.
Sometimes, scammers have even invented fake anti-virus apps - which will do the opposite of keeping your devices safe.
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