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Jena – ESET researchers have rediscovered in the Google Play Store applications that claim to be an antivirus for Android mobile devices. According to ESET and Google security experts, these applications have been downloaded millions of times by users. These applications only simulate legitimate security solutions and do not protect the mobile device. Usually, these programs do not detect malware or do not deceive you. What these dubious, but very good, programs are the annoying ads of users, because it is a lucrative business for fraudsters. In addition, some of these applications get extended rights to the smartphone and have access to sensitive user data.
"Unfortunately, these supposed antivirus applications are still available on Google Play and have an impressive number of installations," says Lukas Stefanko, ESET Malware researcher. "Scammers are trying, among other things, to generate profits from advertising in applications, and ironically, some of these applications are at least a threat."
Already last year, ESET researchers had discovered 35 dubious applications that simply mimicked mobile security applications. These apps have been removed from the Google Play Store team. However, similar applications are again available on the Play Store and are installed millions of times by unsophisticated users. The mesh is the same. Users are fooled by false security. Scam artists simply seek to allow users to see the ads and reward them financially.
Two out of three virus scanners fail
In a recent study, the independent testing institute AV-Comparatives draws a similar conclusion. Of the 250 tested Android apps, only 80 have detected more than 30% of the viruses used for the test. Only 23, including ESET Mobile Security for Android, detected all malware and did not cause false positives.
That's how users recognize a trusted mobile security solution
For users, the situation is opaque. The best advice is to rely on known names when choosing antivirus protection for your smartphone or tablet and to read beforehand tests in journals or renowned institutes such as AV-Comparatives. In general, users must also view the product pages before installing an application, including from official markets. For example, if only good or bad reviews are available, users need to take a closer look, as there may be something wrong.
A video of ESET's security expert, Lukas Stefanko, about these fake AV apps can be found here: https://twitter.com/LukasStefanko/status/1105029922496671750
Additional information has been published by ESET security experts on WeLiveSecurity: https://www.welivesecurity.com/english/2018/04/06/pseudo-mobile-security-apps/ (ESET / mc / ps)
About ESET
ESET is a European company based in Bratislava (Slovakia). Since 1987, ESET has been developing award-winning security software that is already helping more than 110 million users benefit from secure technology. The broad portfolio of security products covers all common platforms, providing businesses and consumers around the world with the perfect balance of performance and proactive protection. The company has a global distribution network in more than 200 countries and offices, among others. in Jena, San Diego, Singapore and Buenos Aires. For more information, visit https://www.eset.com/ch-en/ or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
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