Android Owners Beware: Delete These 28 Dangerous Apps Now
Android users, beware! A recent discovery by Human’s Satori threat intelligence team has unveiled 28 dangerous apps lurking on Google Play that can hack into your Wi-Fi networks. Surprisingly, more than a dozen of these apps are disguised as free VPN applications.
The Threat of Malicious Apps
When downloading just one of these malicious apps on an Android device, hackers can leverage it as a secret proxy. These proxies are then manipulated by cybercriminals to route internet traffic through innocent users’ devices without their knowledge. This deceptive tactic makes malicious web activity appear legitimate, reducing the chances of it being detected and blocked.
The Dangers of Compromised Wi-Fi Networks
The primary purpose of using these apps is to engage in illicit activities such as ad fraud, spamming, phishing, and stealing login credentials and passwords. Victims who unknowingly install these apps might see a significant impact on their internet bandwidth, resulting in slow Wi-Fi speeds. Moreover, there is a risk of legal repercussions if your home network is identified as the source of malicious activities.
Signs of Wi-Fi Hacking
There are various indicators that your Wi-Fi network may have been hacked:
- Your internet speed suddenly decreases with no apparent reason
- You receive an influx of pop-up alerts
- Inability to access your router’s admin settings
- Browser redirection to unfamiliar websites
- Suspicious activity notifications from your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Loss of control over your connected devices
- Discovering unknown software or apps on your devices
Identifying the Culprits: Free VPN Apps
Among the 28 risky applications, 17 are camouflaged as free VPN software. Here’s the comprehensive list:
- Lite VPN
- Anims Keyboard
- Blaze Stride
- Byte Blade VPN
- Android 12 Launcher (by CaptainDroid)
- Android 13 Launcher (by CaptainDroid)
- Android 14 Launcher (by CaptainDroid)
- CaptainDroid Feeds
- Free Old Classic Movies (by CaptainDroid)
- Phone Comparison (by CaptainDroid)
- Fast Fly VPN
- Fast Fox VPN
- Fast Line VPN
- Funny Char Ging Animation
- Limo Edges
- Oko VPN
- Phone App Launcher
- Quick Flow VPN
- Sample VPN
- Secure Thunder
- Shine Secure
- Speed Surf
- Swift Shield VPN
- Turbo Track VPN
- Turbo Tunnel VPN
- Yellow Flash VPN
- VPN Ultra
- Run VPN
Protecting Your Network
If you suspect having any of these apps installed on your device, it is crucial to delete them immediately. Additionally, consider changing your router access password and creating a unique, secure password for your wireless network to further safeguard your data.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential cyber threats. Your security and privacy are paramount.