Warning: Malicious apps resurface on the Play Store, only changing

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

No matter what you say, at least the masters of malicious software can overlook the defenses of the Google Play Store by successfully changing files and account names.

If your device doesn't have Google Play yet, check out how to install and use Google Play APK here

Other malicious apps have been detected on the Play Store

In addition to the 7 apps reuploaded to the Play Store, the Symantec team also discovered 38 other malicious apps, fundamentally different from the initially detected ones, also 'present' on Google's app store.

Experts believe that these malicious apps primarily focus on loading URLs from blogs in the background of mobile devices.

'URLs redirect to different blogs, and it's likely that the apps are being used to boost web traffic to these sites,' explained Symantec researchers about the existence of these 38 odd apps.

The company also stated: 'As of now, the majority of users downloading these apps are mainly from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Japan, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden'. 'The presence of these apps on the Google Play Store, along with the names and descriptions of legitimate apps to deceive users into downloading them, at least on 10,000 devices.'

Symantec mentioned they have contacted Google, and the search giant has removed the second batch of apps from the Play Store. The company revealed they identified both malicious software campaigns within the Android.Reputation.1 definition. Below is a screenshot of 38 malicious apps appearing on the Play Store:

Other Android advertising software

Mobile security researcher ESET, Lukas Stefanko, also discovered 15 other malicious apps appearing on the Play Store.

In a tweet posted on his Twitter account, the researcher said: 'Discovered 15 apps with over 400,000 downloads and installations on Google Play'. 'These apps can download payloads and display clicks on hidden ads. These ads are all hidden from the user's view.'

This week, Sophos also revealed additional information about the Guerilla Android software advertising campaign brought to the Play Store earlier this year. To block ads on Android devices, check out the Top 5 ad-blocking apps for Android here

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To ensure the security of your Android phone, it's advisable to download and use one of the antivirus apps for Android such as Avast, AVG. These phone virus protection apps are regularly updated with the latest data, ensuring the safest protection for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I encounter malicious apps on the Google Play Store?

If you encounter malicious apps on the Google Play Store, you should immediately uninstall them and report the issue to Google. It's also advisable to run a security scan using a trusted antivirus app to ensure your device is secure.

How can I protect my Android device from malware effectively?

To effectively protect your Android device from malware, regularly update your apps and operating system, avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, and consider using reputable antivirus software for ongoing protection.

Are there any signs that indicate my Android device might be infected?

Yes, signs that your Android device may be infected include unexpected ads, sluggish performance, and unusual app behavior. If you notice these issues, it's crucial to investigate further and take appropriate security measures.

What are the best antivirus apps recommended for Android devices?

Some of the best antivirus apps for Android devices include Avast, AVG, and Bitdefender. These apps provide robust security features and are regularly updated to protect against the latest threats.

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