8 Million Android Users Hit by SpyLoan Malware in Loan Apps on Google Play
Dec 02, 2024
Mobile Security / Financial Fraud
Over a dozen malicious Android apps identified on the Google Play Store that have been collectively downloaded over 8 million times contain malware known as SpyLoan, according to new findings from McAfee Labs. "These PUP (potentially unwanted programs) applications use social engineering tactics to trick users into providing sensitive information and granting extra mobile app permissions, which can lead to extortion, harassment, and financial loss," security researcher Fernando Ruiz said in an analysis published last week. The newly discovered apps purport to offer quick loans with minimal requirements to attract unsuspecting users in Mexico, Colombia, Senegal, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Peru, and Chile. The 15 predatory loan apps are listed below. Five of these apps that are still available for download from the official app store are said to have made changes to comply with Google Play policies. Préstamo Seguro-Rápido, seguro (com.prestamoseguro.ss ) P