Google tries to verify Android apps that are available to download from the Play Store so that you don’t get malware on your smartphones and tablets. However, scammers always find new ways to bypass the protection mechanism. This is also the case with the QR code app, which has already registered thousands of downloads and can steal your bank details and much more.
Version:05/29/14
Languages:german english french
License:free software
Platforms:Linux
Android app can steal your bank details and more
forever cases recurannouncing that the Android apps that should never have ended up in the Google Play Store malware contents and infect smartphones and tablets. This is exactly what happened with a QR code scanner that has been downloaded over 10,000 times. The problem is that the attackers were extremely smart. The Android app itself was harmless. Only with the subsequent installation, the application became dangerous (source: Cleafy).
The “Teabot” banking Trojan was previously used for SMS phishing. It is now also used in Android apps. In this case, it was additionally installed through the app after the security mechanisms of the Google Play Store had already been overcome with the harmless QR code scanner app. The app is affected called “QR Code and Barcode – Scanner”, which Google has since removed. If you’re not sure, uninstall your QR code scanner app with this or a similar name and just install another app from the Play Store, which should probably be safe.
How to protect yourself from malware:
Antivirus programs do not detect the danger
If you have an antivirus program installed on your smartphone or tablet, you should not feel safe. Because if you have access to the installation and access to the app, you can also the antivirus program can no longer do anything. That’s why you need to take a close look at each app, how it behaves and what permissions it releases. Once the Trojan is on it, it can access all personal data and access applications. So if you are supposed to install additional stuff through an app that does not come from the Google Play Store, you should always be careful.
Don’t want to miss out on more tech, gaming, and pop culture news? No current tests and guides? Then follow us on Facebook (GIGA technology,
GIGA Games) or Twitter (GIGA technology,
GIGA Games).
Introvert. Beer guru. Communicator. Travel fanatic. Web advocate. Certified alcohol geek. Tv buff. Subtly charming internet aficionado.