Dangerous "NoVoice" malware found in over 50 Play Store apps that were installed 2.3 million times
PhoneArena • • general
Key Points:
- A new malware called "NoVoice" has been discovered in over 50 apps on the Google Play Store, with a total of 2.3 million installations, according to a report by Bleeping Computer and cybersecurity firm McAfee.
- The malware hides inside seemingly innocent apps like system cleaners, games, and image galleries, exploiting Android vulnerabilities to gain root access and steal sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.
- Some variants of "NoVoice" are designed to persist even after a factory reset, although devices updated since May 2021 are reportedly protected from this threat.
- McAfee's investigation suggests the malware avoids infecting devices in regions like Beijing and Shenzhen, indicating the attackers likely originate from China and aim to evade local law enforcement.
- Google stated that Google Play Protect has removed the malicious apps and blocked new installations, urging users to keep their devices updated and only download apps from the official Google Play Store.
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