Google bans slew of malicious Android apps that stole user photos and advertised scams

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Google has removed dozens of popular fake photo apps meant to hurt its users.

Security firm Trend Micro discovered 29 malicious apps that were listed on the official Google Play store, all advertised as “beauty camera” applications. The apps have since been removed by Google.

The photo apps carried out a number of nefarious activities on Android devices which they were installed to. Some of the apps would load up a full-screen advertisement for fraudulent or pornographic content every time a user unlocked the device. Other apps in the batch would forward users to phishing websites that tried to steal their personal information. Sometimes attempts to steal users email or phone number were hidden under the guise of claiming a prize. Read more…

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