Google Play Store has more than 400 malicious apps hidden as games, themes and skins: Report

A recent report from cyber security firm TrendLabs suggests that there are over 400 of malicious apps on the Android app store

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One such malicious app has been disguised as a Grand Theft Auto V mod that is designed for Minecraft (Pocket Edition)

Although Google has been trying to deal with malicious and malware-infected apps that have been infecting its Play Store, a recent report from cyber security firm TrendLabs suggests that there are over 400 of malicious apps on the Android app store. According to TrendLabs, 16.6 million malware detections have been made by Trend Micro’s Mobile App Reputation Service with a lot of malicious apps found on Google Play Store as well.

Android platform is especially susceptible to such apps, with one specific one called ‘DressCode’ that is spreading stealthily since April. The DressCode malware gives attackers a way into the networks of compromised devices, and can also put at risk the devices that get connected to it. Once installed, these apps are capable of spying as well as forwarding a user’s data from protected networks.

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One such malicious app has been disguised as a Grand Theft Auto V mod that is designed for Minecraft (Pocket Edition). This app has been downloaded between 100,000 – 500,000 times. The malicious code is difficult to detect because it makes only a small part of an app.

Back in July, a Trend Micro report claimed that a malware called Godless had affected over 8,50,000 devices worldwide. Out of those device 46.19 per cent of the infected devices were from India. Godless is designed to target all Android devices running Android 5.1 Lollipop or earlier. The malware is part of many apps on the Google Play Store.

According to Trend Micro, Godless waits for the device’s screen to turn off before roots the device before dropping a payload that appears as a system app that cannot be easily removed. The malware then installs unwanted apps on the device, and can be used to spy on users.

Read: Android malware ‘Godless’ has affected over 8.5 lakh devices globally

Despite best efforts, hackers are occasionally able to slip past Google’s app scrutiny. It is always advised to download apps from known developers, and to make sure that no unwanted permissions are requested by the app. It is also advised to download antivirus apps from trusted developers.