these spyware apps with 1.5 million downloads are secretly sending your data to China
According to cybersecurity analysts, two file manager apps have been discovered on the Google Play Store that are actually spyware and are compromising the privacy and security of more than 1.5 million Android users. These apps, called “File Recovery & Data Recovery” and “File Manager”, are developed by the same developer and stealthily send sensitive user data to servers in China.
Secretly collect user data
This discovery is very disturbing as the apps are launched without the user’s knowledge and collect a lot of data about the user including contacts, emails, social network contacts, photos, audio and video files, location data, device information and much more . All of this happens without the apps ever asking permission to collect this information. In fact, the apps indicate in the Play Store that they do not collect any user data at all.
According to the description in the Play Store, the apps do not collect user data
What makes this case even more concerning is the large amount of data being sent without the user’s knowledge. Pradeo, a reputable mobile cybersecurity company, reports that each app performs more than a hundred data transfers, which is extremely rare. Both spyware apps also hide. So they are hard to find on phones, let alone remove. They hide their app icons from the home screen, forcing users to go to settings to uninstall the apps.
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Google informs Bleeping Computer about the two spyware apps: “These apps have been removed from Google Play. Google Play Protect protects users from apps known to contain this malware on Android devices running Google Play Services, even if those apps come from other sources outside of Play.”
These are the two file managers in question
As an Android user, it is critical to stay up to date with the latest threats and precautions to protect your privacy and data. Androidworld offers a wealth of information and tips to keep your Android phone safe from criminals. Take the time to read our articles and learn how to protect your device from malicious apps and other cyber threats.
Do you have experience with spyware apps or questions about Android security? Leave a comment below this article. Your contribution can help others protect themselves against these types of threats. Together we can create a safer Android world!
