Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label Google Playstore. Show all posts
User Data
Android Apps Cyber Security Data collection Google Playstore Kaspersky User Data

Unused Apps Could Still be Tracking and Collecting User’s Data


While almost everyone in this era is glued to their smartphones for long hours, there still remain several mysteries about the device that are not actively being deduced by the users. So how does one begin to know their phones?

Most of the users are still unaware that even when the apps are not in use, the phone can still track and collect data without them being aware. Fortunately, there is a solution to prevent this from happening.

One may have ten, twenty or even thirty apps on their phones, and there is a possibility that many of these apps remain unused. 

In regards to this, the cybersecurity giant – Kaspersky – warned that apps on a user’s phone that are not being used could still be collecting data about the device owner even if they are not using it.

A recently published memo from the company urged users to delete their old apps, stating: "You probably have apps on your smartphone that you haven't used in over a year. Or maybe even ones you've never opened at all. Not only do they take up your device's memory, but they can also slowly consume internet traffic and battery power."

The security memo continued: "And, most importantly, they clog up your interface and may continue to collect data about your smartphone - and you."

While spring cleaning the phones might not be on the priority list of people, it does not take away its significance. In case a user is concerned about ‘over-sharing’ their data, Kaspersky has shared a ‘one-day rule’ to ease the task of removing unused apps on phones. 

According to the experts, following the practice of merely uninstalling one useless app each day will greatly increase phone performance and free up storage space. By doing this, users will be able to control how their data is used and prevent data harvesting.

To delete an app on the iPhone, users need to find the app on the home screen, touch and hold down the icon and tap “Remove app.” Android users, they need to go to the Google Play store, tap the profile icon in the top right, followed by Manage Apps and Devices > Manage. Tap the name of the app they want to delete and click to uninstall.

Users can still disable pre-installed apps on their phones to prevent them from operating in the background and taking up unnecessary space on the screen, even if they cannot be fully removed from the device.  

Read more »
malware
Chinese Apps Chinese Hackers Google Playstore Malicious actor malware

Pinduoduo App Malware: A Security Warning

Pinduoduo, a popular Chinese e-commerce app, has come under scrutiny from cybersecurity experts after multiple reports of malware surfaced. According to CNN, a recent analysis found that the app contained a 'sophisticated and complex' malware strain that allowed attackers to steal personal data and spy on users' activities.

In a report by Bloomberg, cybersecurity researchers noted that the malware was able to "hijack user accounts, steal payment information, and even take control of users' phones." The report also highlighted that the app had been downloaded over one billion times, making it a significant threat to users' security and privacy.

In response to these reports, Google Play has suspended the app from its platform. The South China Morning Post notes that this is not the first time that Pinduoduo has come under fire for suspected malware. In 2021, the app was accused of selling counterfeit goods and allowing the sale of illegal and fake products.

Brian Krebs, a cybersecurity expert, notes that the Pinduoduo case highlights the risks of using apps from untrusted sources. He emphasizes that "users should always be wary of downloading apps from unfamiliar sources, as they may contain malicious code that can compromise their security and privacy."

The Pinduoduo case also underscores the importance of regularly updating software and using trusted security solutions to protect against malware and other cyber threats. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that individuals and organizations remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their digital assets.

The Pinduoduo incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers presented by unreliable apps and the significance of cybersecurity in the current digital era. Users must take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their data as cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and complexity. Individuals and organizations can reduce the dangers of cyber assaults and secure their online safety by remaining educated, upgrading software on a regular basis, and employing reputable security solutions.

Read more »
malware
Fleeceware. Google Playstore Joker malware

6 Malware Apps from Playstore has been banned by Google: Uninstall them from your device ASAP


The malware Joker was yet again caught making rounds on Playstore - Cybersecurity firm Pradeo identified at least six applications on the Playstore infected with Joker and now are banned from the same.


In July, Google had banned 11 apps containing the same malware. Joker also is known as Bread has been characterized as a fleeceware. These apps' sole purpose is to charge huge subscriptions and other fees to clients for the features and services they could avail for free. These apps though tricks the user they however neither steal your data nor do they run any malicious code hence fundamentally they are not malwares. Simply termed fleecewear are malicious apps hiding in "sheep's clothing". Joker malware prompts the user into paying for certain featured via SMS and has little malicious coding and is very hidden to be detected by Playstore security checks. 

The six Joker containing apps are- 
Safety AppLock, 
Convenient Scanner 2, 
Push Message- Texting & SMS, 
Emoji Wallpaper, 
Separate Doc Scanner
 and Fingertip GameBox. 

Since these apps do not contain malicious code it's hard for security to detect them, “Many of these samples appear to be designed specifically to attempt to slip into the Play Store undetected and are not seen elsewhere,” Google wrote. 

But Google is tightening the leash for apps notorious such as these. It announced earlier this year that developers will be required to make details of subscriptions, free trials, and introductory offers more precise and clear. "Part of improving the subscription user experience comes from fostering a trustworthy platform for subscribers; making sure they feel fully informed when they purchase in-app subscriptions," Angela Ying, Google product manager wrote in a blog.
Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)