google play store - PSafe Blog

TrojanFlyer Malware Infects 120,000 Android Users

PSafe Newsroom — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 17:36:16 +0000

PSafe’s Threat Analysts have discovered a malicious malware that infected at least 8 apps in Google Play. The malware, named TrojanFlyer, affected at least 120,000 Android users, possibly more.

The mistake that app users make is assuming that only one or two apps are infected, concluding that suspicious apps fall into the same category on Google Play, or are produced by the same developer.

Not so with TrojanFlyer. In this latest attack, cyber criminals used clever methods by corrupting several apps in different categories carrying the same malware.

These developer names popped up across the 8 apps: Chet Grode, DenSavin, Lakov Kay. The apps were a QR code reader, wallpaper, battery optimizer, and photo galleries of beautiful women.

These 8 app packages were the culprits:

com.appmasteringsoft.qrcodefree
com.boxedstudiolow.wallhdplus
com.lightboostcleaner.app
com.ivoice.voicecallsrecorderapp
com.microtikappstudio.wallalbumsfree
vn.smartringtonesapp
com.exfrontvisuals.hdimagesfree
com.esterightsapps.wallcollectionfree

After users initially downloaded these apps, they behaved normally, while in the background the malware was already running, using a service to start the APP which takes over a user’s entire operating system.

The malware used a developer’s tool called AlarmManager to monitor if a smartphone is turned on and has a WiFi connection. Once an Internet connection is established, hackers download the second part of the malware:

Next, the malware gained further control by asking users for unusual permission requests:

android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG
android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

In order to take over an entire device, the model, brand and Android version are fed to a server and a jar file is downloaded to the application folder:

And then a full take-over can begin. The malware starts to receive commands from a server hosted in downloadh.pw:

New native codes are initiated:

Finally, those compromised permissions are accessed, such as the contact list:

Call history:

SMS history:

Number of photos and photo storage:

The scary result is criminals had full control of a smartphone with TrojanFly, being able to access personal information, private photos, make calls, send text messages, or infiltrate banking apps.

With the latest Android 6.0/7.0 updates, permissions for your apps has certainly changed, but always be cautious which permissions you allow. Ensure the permissions fit the purpose of the app.

If you’re being asked for access to your contacts list, for example, and you’re unsure, always delete the app immediately and activate a trusted antivirus app.

PSafe’s DFNDR security app deters 65,000 instances of malware and 700,000 suspicious links a day. We strive to offer the most robust protection for your Android device. Find our full suite of products on the Google Play store now.

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The Differences: Google Play vs. Apple’s App Store

PSafe Newsroom — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 16:00:01 +0000

Apple’s app store appeared long before the Google Play Store. Although it wasn’t the first app store of its kind, it was a majorly successful store that ushered us into the age of the smartphone. However, the Google Play Store has caught up to Apple and is now its main competitor. The following are some of the key differences between the two app stores.

More malicious apps might be in the Play Store.

Although malicious apps get published in the Apple store, there are far more reports about malicious apps in the Play Store. This is usually because the screening process for apps is far shorter for the Play Store, in addition to the freedom that the Android operating system allows by default.

Google can usually remove these apps fairly quickly, but unfortunately, they’ve still had time to do a lot of damage. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you run a full virus scan on your device after you download a new app, to make sure that malicious software isn’t hidden in the app. Click here to run a full virus scan on your device now:

The Play Store has more variety.

Since you have an Android device, variety and customization are probably important features to you. There’s more freedom with the Android operating system, which means that there’s a greater variety of apps available in the Play Store. There are apps that you can download from the Play Store that completely change the look of your device, and how you experience it. With the Apple store, these types of apps that allow you to fully customize your device simply don’t exist.

If you want to release your app, do so first on Google Play.

It’s no secret that the Google Play Store is a better place for new app developers than Apple’s app store. First of all, publishing an Android app through the Play Store is a much simpler process than publishing an iOS app through Apple’s app store. That means that it also takes a lot less time to get your app out into the world. For the Play Store, it could take as little as 24 hours to get your app on the site, but for the Apple store, it might take about a week at minimum. You also may get more immediate downloads of your app in the Play Store than in the Apple store.

However, the Apple store is known for generally having higher quality apps than the Play Store. This is largely due to Apple’s careful process of evaluating an app. This also means that there are fewer apps available in the Apple store than in the Play Store.

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Over a million Android phones infected with a strain of malware called Gooligan

PSafe Newsroom — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 20:24:21 +0000

From the beginning of August, Gooligan strain has infected 1.3 million Android phones, stealing tokens from devices in order to impersonate the user’s Google account. The motive? To force users to download apps as a part of an advertising fraud scheme. The strain has been generating as much as $320,000 per month and still spreading. Latest figures estimate that 13,000 new infections are happening daily. PSafe has the ability to locate previously unidentified viruses to keep users safe. Check to see if your account is safe by clicking the button below:

This particular malware can do a number of things on the users’ phones, including ranking apps, downloading apps, stealing photos and files from Google Docs and even has the ability of posting illegitimate app reviews. Users are misled into downloading this malware as it poses as legitimate software from a variety of places, including porn sites and 3rd party app stores.

PSafe has identified more than 4,000 different strands of this same malware, meaning that the hacker used an original file and changed some parts of the code to generate new signatures in an attempt to bypass virus checkers that rely solely on signature checking. The latest strain has the ability to create duplicate versions that can’t be blocked by conventional antivirus software. Generally, it takes some time for AVs to update malware databases, so all the hacker needs to do is duplicate the virus during that process to be untraceable.

PSafe’s Security Specialists have some tips about how users can protect their phones:

Only install certified apps: The main way to reduce these type of risks is to confirm if the app is available on the official Google Play Store.

Pay attention to permissions: The permissions requested of you should be compatible with the app’s needs.

Use strong passwords: Weak passwords are ideal for hackers. The best solution is to use a strong password with more than 10 characters, including lowercase and capital letters, numbers and special characters. Users should also change their password regularly.

By scanning your device now with PSafe Total, you are ensuring the safety of all personal information, data and files. Tap the button below to run a complete scan:

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PSafe identifies more than 500 apps infected by virus on Google Play Store

PSafe Newsroom — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 18:41:32 +0000

When even the Google Play Store has viruses, it’s important to step up your device security. PSafe identified more than 500 apps infected by virus on Android’s official App Store. Because of this security loophole, we recommend all PSafe Total users who downloaded apps recently, click below to remove threats.

According to Emilio Simoni, PSafe’s security manager, famous games and social networks’ accessory or add-on apps used for Minecraft and Snapchat, are main targets so it’s important to stay completely protected. Apps for kids are under the crosshair for hackers. The kid app called Coloring Book, for example, is one of the infected apps. The list also features Mobi Music Player, a free digital music service, and the Mobi Cleaner, a cleanup app.

PSafe Total app has already blocked almost 2,000 attacks affecting American users’ cellphones. In Brazil and Mexico, this number reached a successful 45,000. In order for your device to avoid such breach, it’s best to avoid the apps on the list above and keep a reliable antivirus installed – it’s your only defense against attacks like this.

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How to Set Up Fingerprint Authorization For Google Play

PSafe Newsroom — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 21:46:22 +0000

Android can have some problems with Google Play purchases, problems that you can solve with a few simple tweaks. However, Android’s latest version also gives you new options for keeping your Google Play purchases secure. The newest Android system – Android 6.0 Marshmallow – running on a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P phone lets you better secure your Google Play purchases and information with a fingerprint password. Here, we’ll give you the rundown about how to add fingerprint authentication to your Google Play.

Registering Your Fingerprint

Navigate to your “Settings” app on your phone.
Tap on the “Security” button.
Click on “Nexus Imprint” button.
Click on the “Add Fingerprint” option.
You will be prompted to set up a backup PIN or password in case the phone can’t read your fingerprint at one point or another.
You will be prompted to put your finger on the sensor several times. Adjust your finger accordingly so the sensor can accurately read your print accurately.
Once the sensor has read your fingerprint, it will ask you to add another fingerprint or close.

After you’ve set up fingerprint security, you can add fingerprint authentication to your Google Play purchases.

Here’s how:

Open the “Google Play store” app.
Open “Settings” in the Google Play store.
Under Settings, scroll down to “Fingerprint Authentication” and click on the box next to it to put in a check mark.
Now, whenever you want to access Google Play store, you’ll have to authenticate it with the fingerprint password you’ve set on your Nexus phone. Whenever you make a new purchase on Google Play, you will be prompted to press your fingerprint on the sensor, rather than entering your password.
If you want to remove the password authentication and return to a password or PIN, repeat steps one through three and then uncheck the box next to “Fingerprint authentication” in step 3.

If you want to keep your favorite Google Play purchases running without interruption, you need to take extra measures. Your first step is downloading PowerPRO. PSafe’s Internet Booster speeds up your Internet speed by closing applications running in the background of your phone. Secure all of your Google Play purchases and then watch them with zero lag time with PSafe.

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Google Play Features You’re Probably Not Using But Should Be

PSafe Newsroom — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:11:17 +0000

Are you making good use of all of Google Play’s features? There’s more to the Google Play Store than downloading new gaming apps or Android camera apps. Instead, you can use the platform to read, remember, and gift.

Google Play Newsstand

Get your daily dose of your news, stay on top of your beloved blogs, and never miss a minute, with the Google Play Newsstand App. There’s thousands of publishers to be found within the app. Subscribe, read, share, and enjoy the content from magazines like GQ, Vanity Fair, Fast Company, and much, much more.

The home screen will also adapt to what you are interested in, so when you use the app over time, you will discover even more related, relevant content to love. If you don’t have time to finish an article, you can bookmark it and get back to it later. Download what you need, so you can take it on the go, even when you don’t have Internet access.

Google Play Wishlist

It can be hard to remember what Android app you wanted. The same goes for what movie you wanted to watch and what books you were hoping to settle down with during your next big vacation. That’s where the Google Play Wishlist function comes in. No matter where you happen to be browsing within Google Play, you can add movies, books, music, TV shows, movies, magazines, and apps to your wishlist. It couldn’t be more easy.

Click the little green banner with a plus sign on the page of the item you want and it will instantly be added to your wishlist. When you access your profile from the dropdown, you will see the menu option marked “Wishlist.” To view what you have added, click it and go.

Google Play Gift Sending

If you want to send gifts (such as Google Play credit or Google Play music subscriptions) via email, it doesn’t get any easier than Google Play. First, make sure the receiver is also a Google Play member. They will need to be located in the same country as you are. From within the Google Play Store app, you can click on the menu, look for “Send Gift,” and follow the prompts. Simple, right?

Getting to Know Google Play

Just when you think you’ve learned everything there is to know about your Android cell phone, there’s something else to figure out. Take the guesswork out of knowing if your Android cell phone battery is going to last by installing PowerPRO by PSafe. You can instantly see how your battery is doing and receive tips for improvement.

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