App Removal from Google Play: Steps to Take Afterward
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Let's chat about the week's digital mayhem in the Play Store. Google's been swinging that delete button left, right, and center, banishing sketchy threats that managed to sneak into Android's most secured app fortress. It ain't a good look, pal!
First, an ad fraud scheme led to the removal of 180 apps with a whopping 56 million downloads. Next, a dangerous Anatsa/Teabot trojan was shown the door. To top it off, we've even spotted fake Play Store pages, tricking unsuspecting users into high-risk installations.
Now, buckle up, things are getting more dangerous. Recently, another threat was exposed, with Google confirming that all the newly "identified apps" hiding a spyware package have also been banished from Play Store. This fresh warning came from Lookout, attributing the new KoSpy malware to the North Korean group APT37 (ScarCruft).
These cyber Larson boys can collect an impressive range of data, like SMS messages, call logs, location, files, audio, screenshots, and even wifi network details. Son of a gun, they've even got the capability to compile a list of installed applications!
KoSpy targets both English and Korean speakers, and seems to have been in action since at least early 2022. Apparently, it arrives disguised as utility applications, like 'File Manager', 'Software Update Utility', and 'Kakao Security'. If any of these sneaky apps are lurking on your device, it's time to kick 'em to the curb.
While Google's shiny new malware doesn't appear on the Play Store anymore, you should delete any of the ad fraud and Anatsa apps (details provided above) as well. Be sure to also keep Google's Play Protect up and running on your device at all times.
In response to Lookout's report, Google filled me in that the regional language used in the malware suggests it was designed as targeted malware. Before any user installations, the latest KoSpy sample found in March 2024 was removed from Google Play. Google Play Protect is designed to safeguard Android users from known versions of this malware, even when apps come from sources outside of Play.
However, Google is updating Play Protect to let users pause its defenses for app sideloading. While this new option might seem appealing, it's important to remember that it's risky business without knowing the legitimacy of the app and the source. As I've said before, this new option needs to be handled with extreme care.
Stay vigilant out there in the digital wild west, folks! Your devices and data are valuable, so don't make it easy for the bad guys. Keep thoseprotections tight and be wary of suspicious apps or anything that seems too good to be true. Happy and safe surfing!
- In addition to the recent removal of ad fraud and Anatsa apps from the Play Store, Google also confirmed the banishment of apps containing the KoSpy malware, a spyware package attributed to the North Korean group APT37, which was first spotted in early 2022.
- While the latest KoSpy sample found in March 2024 was removed from Google Play prior to any user installations, Google Play Protect continues to safeguard Android users from known versions of this malware, even when apps come from sources outside of Play.
- Regardless of the newly added option in Play Protect that allows users to pause its defenses for app sideloading, it's crucial to remember that this practice can potentially expose your device to Android attacks, unless you are certain about the legitimacy of the app and the source.
