Experts have warned owners of Android smartphones and tablets about a group of dangerous apps that need to be removed immediately.
Experts say millions of Android users are downloading “malicious” apps from the Google Play Store.
According to Kaspersky experts, more than 190 Android apps have been loaded by a malware group called “Harly” since 2020, and this bug can steal money through expensive subscription plans.
These apps are believed to have been downloaded around 4.8 million times. But experts suspect the real number could be much higher.
Apps are removed from the Play Store, but if you’ve already downloaded an app, it may be too late – in which case you should delete the app immediately.
How does the program work? Harley?
Harly is very similar to another well-known malware called Jocker Trojan.
The reason the latter is so bad is that it intelligently subscribes to paid services without your knowledge.
Hackers achieve this by changing some techniques in the application code to trick your phone.
By doing so, it can secretly obtain text message security codes used to sign Android users into subscriptions without their knowledge.
Harly can also act as a Trojan, as it can make Android users unwittingly sign up for expensive subscription services. This is done by verifying these subscriptions with a phone call and making sure the victim doesn’t know it’s happening.
Harly Infected Apps
Experts have discovered around 200 Harly Trojans since 2020.
According to the Daily Express, these apps include:
Live Wallpaper and Theme Launcher
Action Launcher and Wallpapers
Call Color
Nice Launcher
Mondy Widgets
Funcalls-Voice Changer
Eva Launcher
Newlook Launcher
Pixel Screen Wallpaper
How to avoid dangerous apps
Apps are constantly checked by Android agents, but unfortunately some bad guys can infiltrate the network.
It’s always best to look at reviews before downloading the app to see what others are claiming. A good antivirus app can also work.
Source: Express
Source: Arabic RT
