12 Dangerous Android Applications Threaten User Data, Can Infiltrate WhatsApp Chat

12 Aplikasi Android Berbahaya Mengancam Data Pengguna, Bisa Menyusup ke Chat WhatsApp

"12 Dangerous Android Applications Threatening User Data, Can Infiltrate WhatsApp Chat"

12 Dangerous Android Applications Threaten User Data, Can Infiltrate WhatsApp Chat

Dream - Dozens of dangerous Android applications have been detected and circulating freely on the Google Play Store. These applications are suspected to have been infiltrated by trojans that can steal user data, including WhatsApp chats.

A cybersecurity research conducted by the ESET team has successfully discovered 12 applications that have spread the remote access trojan (RAT) known as VajraSpy. The terrifying thing is that six out of the 12 applications have been circulating on the Play Store from April 1, 2021, to September 10, 2023. The trojan-infected applications disguise themselves as news and messaging applications.

"1,400 People Unaware Have Already Downloaded"

Six dangerous applications that were in the Play Store have been successfully removed. However, before being deleted, these applications have been downloaded more than 1,400 times by users. These applications disguised themselves as news and messaging applications.

"6 Dangerous News and Messaging Applications"

Based on ESET's research, the six applications that were available on the Google Play Store are as follows: Rafaqat رفاقت (news) Privee Talk (messaging) MeetMe (messaging) Let's Chat (messaging) Quick Chat (messaging) Chit Chat (messaging)

"6 Applications Circulating in Third-Party App Stores"

In addition, there are also other applications that are infected by the VajraSpy Trojan that is currently circulating in third-party application stores. Here is a list of those applications that Sahabat Dream should be cautious of: Hello Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Nidus, GlowChat, Wave Chat.

Based on ESET's analysis, the majority of people affected by this application are from India and Pakistan. They are suspected to have become victims of romance scams, being deceived into downloading the dangerous application.

The Terrifying Ability of Trojan VajraSpy that Must Be Watched Out

VajraSpy is a spyware and malicious software (RAT) program that has the ability to steal data and spy on users. In carrying out its tasks, VajraSpy is capable of collecting and transmitting personal information, as well as intercepting and retrieving messages from popular communication applications such as WhatsApp and Signal.

In addition, VajraSpy can also record phone calls, activate the camera to take photos, and intercept notifications from various applications. Not only that, VajraSpy is also capable of searching for and retrieving documents such as photos, videos, audios, and various other types of files. The ability of VajraSpy is certainly very dangerous as it can penetrate the realm of privacy to highly confidential user data.

"Don't Install Unknown Chat Applications"

With various terrible impacts of the spyware, ESET urges Android users not to install unfamiliar chat applications. Especially if they receive recommendations for such applications from strangers. This often becomes a tactic frequently used by cybercriminals to take over devices. As a result, users' personal data can be breached and used for harmful purposes.

In addition, for Android users, it is recommended to enable the Google Play Protect feature. This feature can provide warnings to users if there are apps that show signs of being harmful, including apps downloaded from app stores other than the Play Store. So, increase your vigilance, Dream friends, in exploring the cyber world. Because currently, cyber crimes are becoming more adept at carrying out their actions.

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