17 Malware-Infested Apps You Need to Delete ASAP.
Wandera, a software-as-a-service firm specializing in mobile security, has identified 17 apps that install malware on iOS devices. Because these apps represent only a fraction of the offerings on the App Store, there are likely many other offending apps, according to the company.
It’s called Trojan malware for a reason: Just like the Ancient Greek story where soldiers snuck through the gates of Troy by hiding inside a wooden horse, some malware can sneak into your phone through seemingly innocuous apps and programs that you’ve voluntarily installed.
Specifically, they’re called “clicker Trojan malware” and they communicate with a command and control server to simulate users’ interactions so that the creators can fraudulently collect advertising revenue.
This malware is technically called adware because it makes it look like you’ve viewed an advertisement. Clearly that’s a problem for business owners, because advertisers may be ripped off or the attacker may be targeting a competitor company to artificially inflate its advertising budget.
What’s the big deal for you, the average user?
Well, the Trojan can complete tasks in the background, like continually opening and closing web pages or clicking links without your permission. The researchers found one case where a user had been fraudulently subscribed to an expensive online service after installing one of the apps.
The List of Infected Apps with Trojan malware installed include the following:
RTO Vehicle Information
EMI Calculator & Loan Planner
File Manager – Documents
Smart GPS Speedometer
CrickOne – Live Cricket Scores
Daily Fitness – Yoga Poses
FM Radio PRO – Internet Radio
My Train Info – IRCTC & PNR
Around Me Place Finder
Easy Contacts Backup Manage
Ramadan Times 2019 Pro
Restaurant Finder – Find Food
BMI Calculator PRO – BMR Calc
Dual Accounts Pro
Video Editor – Mute Video
Islamic World PRO – Qibla
Smart Video Compressor
The apps are listed from different countries of origin, but they all lead back to the same developer: AppAspect Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in India.
An Apple spokesperson stated that all of these apps have now been removed from the App Store and that the company found no Trojan Malware. They were removed due to pieces of code that allow automatic, fraudulent click-throughs of ads. That’s a violation of the App Store’s guidelines.
Additionally, Apple has updated its tools to better prevent these kinds of apps from being uploaded in the first place.
Still, if you had previously installed—but have since deleted any of these apps, be sure to check your bank statements to avoid possible repeat charges for services you may have been fraudulently subscribed to.