In a recent move, Google has banned a total of 136 apps due to a severe threat to your hard-earned money. Your phone might be a silent victim, and it’s crucial for you to take action immediately. These apps, once innocently residing on the Google Play Store, have now been flagged for their malicious intent. Brace yourself as we dive into the details of the Grifthorse Android Trojan and why it’s a unique danger.
SUMMARY
The Grifthorse Android Trojan Unveiled
Security experts at Zimperium zLabs have uncovered a sinister scheme affecting over 10 million Android users worldwide. Unlike typical online scams that rely on phishing, the Grifthorse Android Trojan takes a sneakier route. It hides within seemingly harmless Android applications, acting as Trojan horses. What’s alarming is that these applications appear innocent at first glance, with store descriptions and requested permissions giving users a false sense of confidence.
The uniqueness of Grifthorse lies in its ability to exploit user interactions for widespread infection. Once downloaded, users unknowingly subscribe to premium services, charging a hefty 36 Euros per month without their knowledge or consent. The campaign, running since November 2020, has targeted users across 70 countries, using geo-location and local language to serve selective malicious pages.
The Deceptive Prize Trap
The modus operandi of Grifthorse involves tempting users with fake prizes. Victims receive persistent pop-up alerts proclaiming their supposed winnings. Falling into the trap, users are redirected to geo-specific webpages, asked to provide their phone numbers for verification. Little do they know, they are inadvertently subscribing to a premium SMS service that quietly deducts over 30 Euros from their monthly phone bills.
The impact of this theft often goes unnoticed, allowing the scam to continue for months before detection. Grifthorse capitalizes on small screens, local trust, and misinformation to deceive users, relying on emotions like frustration or curiosity triggered by the fake prize notifications.
Google’s Countermeasures
While Google has taken swift action by banning these malicious apps from the Play Store, the threat is far from eradicated. Grifthorse-powered apps still linger on unsecured third-party app stores, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting users. Even more concerning, they might camouflage within seemingly innocent apps that users have already downloaded, demanding a proactive approach in identifying and removing them.
A Call to Action
In light of this alarming situation, it’s crucial for users to be vigilant. Regularly check your app list, especially if you’ve downloaded applications from third-party stores. Below is a list of banned apps provided by Zimperium zLabs that you should steer clear of to protect yourself from falling prey to this scam:
- Call Recoder Pro
- QR Reader Pro
- Call Record Pro
- GPS Phone Tracker – Family Locator
- TrueCaller & TrueRecoder
- Caller ID & Spam Blocker
- Caller-x
- Screen Mirroring TV Cast
- Free Islamic Stickers 2021
- Heart Rhythm
- Pulse App – Heart Rate Monitor
- Live Mobile Number Tracker
- Icony
- Pony Video Chat-Live Stream
- English Arabic Translator direct
- Qibla Ultimate
- Forza H Mobile 4 Ultimate Edition
- TagsContact
- Proof-Caller
- Qibla Pass Direction
- Smart Call Recorder
- WiFi Unlock Password Pro X
- Second Translate PRO
- Plant Camera Identifier
- Phone Search by Clap
- Racers Car Driver
- FindContact
- Horoscope : Fortune
- KFC Saudi – Get free delivery and 50% off coupons
- Dating App – Sweet Meet
- Free Translator Photo
- Scanner App Scan Docs & Notes
- R Circle – Location Finder
- Zodiac : Hand
- Video & Photo Recovery Manager 2
- iConnected Tracker
- Ludo Speak v2.0
- Amazing Sticky Slime Simulator ASMR
- 100% Projector for Mobile Phone
- Qibla correct Quran Coran Koran
- Phone Finder by Clapping
- Photo Lab
- Fitness Trainer
- iTranslator_ Text & Voice & Photo
- Bus Driving Simulator
- Cinema Hall: Free HD Movies
- Coupons & Gifts: InstaShop
- PikCho Editor app
- Free Calls WorldWide
- Fingerprint Changer
- Daily Horoscope & Life Palmestry
- Keyboard: Virtual Projector App
- Squishy and Pop it
- VPN Zone – Fast & Easy Proxy
- Easy TV Show
- Intelligent Translator Pro
- Ludo Game Classic
- Locatoria – Find Location
- Lifeel – scan and test
- Skycoach
- Chat Translator All Messengers
- Heart Rate and Meal Tracker
- Fitness Point
- Language Translator-Easy&Fast
- SnapLens – Photo Translator
- CallerID
- Clap
- Qibla AR Pro
- Scanner Pro App: PDF Document
- Color Call Changer
- QR Code Reader – Barcode Scanner
- Truck – RoudDrive Offroad
- Safe Lock
- Translate It – Online App
- Bus – Metrolis 2021
- Qibla Compass
- iSalam Qibla Compass
- Быстрые кредиты 24\7
- Launcher iOS 15
- Stickers Maker for WhatsApp
- OFFRoaders – Survive
- CutCut Pro
- Phone Caller Screen 2021
- Hunt Contact
- Fingerprint Defender
- Keyboard Themes
- PhoneControl Block Spam Calls
- Bag X-Ray 100% Scanner
- Call Recorder iCall
- Piano Bot Easy Lessons
- Prookie-Cartoon Photo Editor
- CallHelp: Second Phone Number
- Handy Translator Pro
- Parallax paper 3D
- Mine Easy Translator
- GetContacter
- Live Wallpaper & Background
- Ela-Salaty: Muslim Prayer Times & Qibla Direction
- CIAO – Live Video Chat
- Smart Spot Locator
- Idle Gun Tycoo
- iCare – Find Location
- AR Phone Booster – Battery Saver
- Face Analyzer
- Amazing Video Editor
- Call Blocker-Spam Call Blocker
- 3D Camera To Plan
- Instant Speech Translation
- My Locator Plus
- FX Keyboard
- Launcher iOS for Android
- Locker Tool
- HOO Live – Meet and Chat
- Free Coupons 2021
- Slime Simulator
- ClipBuddy
- Qibla Compass (Kaaba Locator)
- Easy Bass Booster
- Qibla Finder – Qibla Direction
- Street Cars: pro Racing
- What’s Me Sticker
- Call Blocker-Spam Call Blocker
- Geospot: GPS Location Tracker
- Qibla direction watch (compass)
- Photo Effect Pro
- Vector arts
- Loca – Find Location
- Soul Scanner – Check Your
- FastPulse – Heart Rate Monitor
- Heart Rate Pro Health Monitor
- Clap To Find My Phone
- My Chat Translator
- Mobile Things Finder
- Heart Rate and Pulse Tracker
- You Frame
- Battery Live Wallpaper 4K
Continuing this list is vital for your digital safety. Ensure you’re not unknowingly hosting these digital thieves on your device. Stay alert, stay secure!
