Viruses found in these apps on Google Play Store

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new attack on Android users. The program to install malware is being carried out through a social engineering campaign. Here are the new infected apps for Android.

12 new infected apps found for Android

According to a report from ESET, 12 Android chat apps were found to be linked to malicious code. Attackers are thought to use social media to connect with targets. Attackers reach victims on popular platforms and then redirect them to infected chat apps.

With names like Privee Talk, MeetMe and Quick Chat, the apps are no different from a standard chat app. However, they were found to secretly install the VajraSpy remote access trojan in the background.

You may be interested – Nokia is officially canceled! HMD era begins

Once installed, VajraSpy gives users broad access to their devices. It can steal contacts, files, call logs, SMS, WhatsApp and Signal messages. It turns out that some versions can also record phone calls and photos taken.

The following 12 apps are dangerous and 6 of them are available in the Google Play Store:

• Privee Talk
• MeetMe
• Let’s Chat
• Quick Chat
• Rafaqat
• Chit Chat
• YohooTalk
• TikTalk
• Hello Chat
• Nidus
• GlowChat
• Wave Chat

ESET found that the malware was particularly effective in the Asian market, infecting more than 14,000 devices. Google has removed the malicious apps from the Play Store. However, it is important to remember that the apps continue to spread through third-party stores.