French police have neutralized a gigantic botnet - Geeko

Despite the security measures implemented by Google, certain viruses or malicious codes hidden in applications escape its surveillance and end up on the Play Store. The company VPNPro has just published a new report revealing the presence of particularly intrusive applications on the Play Store. These are very varied, ranging from the weather app to the improved selfie app, including mobile games.

These 24 applications would be particularly dangerous for users' personal data since they require numerous authorizations during their installation. Obviously, the authorization levels requested are excessive. This allows them to potentially make phone calls, take photos and videos, record sound, etc.

In addition, VPNPro specifies that these apps are all linked together in a sort of Russian doll system that dates back to one company, Shenzhen HAWK. It is a Chinese company that has previously had a history of malware and unethical practices. The 24 applications could serve as a means of espionage.

Apparently innocuous applications

In its report, VPNPro said that one of the weather forecast applications was caught collecting data from its users and sending it to a server in China. As for Candy Selfie Camera , it would have required access to the precise location of its user, external storage, phone status, newspapers and user accounts.

The Chinese takeover company behind these applications, Shenzhen HAWK, is a subsidiary of TCL Corporation which is partly owned by the Chinese state.

Here is the list of applications suspected of collecting personal data about its users:

  • Sound recorder
  • Super Cleaner
  • Virus Cleaner 2019
  • File Manager
  • Joy Launcher
  • Turbo Browser
  • Weather Forecast
  • Candy Selfie Camera
  • Hi VPN, Free VPN
  • Candy gallery
  • Calendar Lite
  • Super Battery
  • Hi Security 2019
  • Net Master
  • Puzzle box
  • Private Browser
  • Hi VPN Pro
  • World zoo
  • Word Crossy!
  • Soccer Pinball
  • Dig it
  • Laser break
  • Music Roam
  • Word Crush

Warned, Google proceeded to remove these 24 intrusive applications. It is obviously advisable to delete these applications if you want to respect your personal data.

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