Samsung, Google, and Huawei Phone Users Are Urged to Delete Certain Apps After Malware Discovery

In addition to creating fake anti-virus apps that do nothing to protect your devices, scammers sometimes invent fake anti-virus apps that do the opposite.

Those whose phones run on Samsung, Huawei, or Google operating systems should delete several popular apps immediately, as they may contain malware that steals money.

Experts warn that Android smartphone and tablet users should beware of apps that may contain malicious software.

Viruses can be found on millions of smartphones and might steal personal information.

Someone’s money could be stolen through subscription services on the phone if the app is not carefully designed.

More than 200 apps have been installed since 2020 containing the ‘Harly’ malware strain.

The Android virus was discovered by anti-virus provider Kaspersky and given its comic book-inspired name – after Harley Quinn – for its similarities to another notorious Android virus/comic book character – Joker.

Harly is said to be able to sign the Android user up for an expensive subscription service without them realizing it.

The security codes associated with text messages are being covertly stolen, according to The Daily Express.

An unwitting phone user may be tricked into verifying subscriptions through a phone call, and if unnoticed, it could drain someone’s bank account without restriction.

It’s unclear how these malicious apps managed to get onto people’s phones, said Kaspersky.

At least 4.8 million people have downloaded one of these apps, but the actual number may be higher.

Just like the Joker Trojans, Harly family Trojans imitate legitimate apps.

How does it work?

Scammers download regular apps from Google Play, insert malicious code, and then post them to Google Play under a different name.

“Users may not even suspect a threat if the apps still have the features listed in the description.”

According to Kaspersky, users should also be wary of a number of Play Store apps that have been affected and downloaded hundreds of thousands of times already.

All of the apps listed below have since been removed from the market, so users should delete them from their devices if they have installed them previously.

Paying close attention to application reviews is advised to stay safe in the future from harmful apps that slip through the filter on the Google Play Store.

You may come across posts from other users who have already been scammed, warning others against the scam.

It is also advisable to look into app developers and only use the more reliable and renowned ones who are well-known and recognized.

Installing anti-virus software directly on your device can also help you stay clear of threats and malware—but make sure you download it from a trusted provider with an official app.

There are instances where scammers create phony anti-virus applications – the opposite of keeping your devices secure.