Android warning: You must delete this popular app now as shock new threat revealed
Android warning: You must delete this popular app now as shock new threat revealed
ANDROID users are being warned of a fresh attack as an app that has millions of downloads is discovered to be purchasing premium content without the user's permission.
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| Android warning a threat found in the popular app (Image: GETTY) |
Google Android warnings just keep on coming.
Last week users were alerted of two issues with apps that contained harmful adware which allows hackers to generate money without anyone ever knowing.
That's bad enough but now Android fans could actually find their own pockets being hit.
New research from the team at Secure-D has discovered a popular app that is capable of purchasing premium digital services without the permission of the user.
The problem is so serious, Secure-D says it has so far stopped up to $18million (£13.9million) in unwanted charges.
The app in question is a free emoji keyboard called ai.type with reports suggesting it has been downloaded more than 10 million times from the Google Play Store.
The app was actually blocked and removed from the Store back in June but those who had already installed it have continued to face hidden attacks.
According to the research, suspicious activity originating from the app actually increased in July 2019, soon after its removal from Google Play.
Speaking about the app Secure-D said: "Ai.type’s popularity and useful features have been used to disguise systematic and worrying activity.
"This happens in the background without the user being aware and includes fake ad views and attempted digital purchases."
Along with users facing charges for something they never wanted, the attack can also impact the amount of data a user gets through each month along with performance issues on their device.
In some instances, this includes the phone overheating and becoming slower than usual.
Secure-D concludes that "Android users should immediately check their phones to see if they have any suspicious app installed. If so, they should uninstall it immediately and review any new mobile airtime charges for possible fraud."
According to a post by SC Media, it appears the team behind the ai.type app is legitimate and it seems likely that the attack happened after the app was installed on devices.
It's also worth noting that another app with a similar name is not thought to be affected and remains on the Google Play Store.
If you're worried about your Android device being targeted by these issues then here's our full guide on how to protect yourself from harmful attacks.
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