Google is taking app security on the Google PlayStore pretty seriously and is busy flagging off malicious apps from its collection. In the midst of this ‘cleaning drive’, cyber security agency Lookout has found out a new malware (public release) that can cause substantial damage to user data. Known as SonicSpy, this dangerous malware has been found attached to certain messenger app available for download in the PlayStore.
The SonicSpy malware was found to be attached with the following third-party apps on the PlayStore — Soniac Messenger, Troy Chat and Hulk Messenger. The Soniac Messenger is actually a customised version of the popular Russian messenger app — Telegram. The SonicSpy malware can use these apps to silently record audio, make calls, retrieve call logs and take photographs. The malware then sends the data to the attackers who then use this for negative intentions.
Apart from the PlayStore, Lookout has also found the malware to affect over 1000 apps hosted on other third-party app stores. Therefore it is advisable to download verified apps only from the Google PlayStore and avoid other third-party APK depositories. Also, if you have installed any one of the mentioned apps on your smartphone, it would be wise to uninstall them as soon as possible.
