The brand new Huawei AppGallery is not missing: the bad guys on the net do not stop at nothing, quite the contrary. As the number of users grows, the risks associated with apps increase - by a great deal.
190 apps, 9.3 million downloads and many, many Android smartphones at risk - or worse -. To report these frightening numbers Dr. Web, which speaks of Android.Cynos.7.origin, a Trojan that would have affected an indefinite but evidently huge number of devices. It is a branch of the Cynos malware, which aims to steal sensitive data from users. However, the apps identified as "vehicles" of this frightening virus outbreak should all have been removed from the AppGallery store.
So let's talk about the brand new, flamboyant Huawei store, its AppGallery, not exempt at this point from the eyes of the web attackers. No Google Play Store therefore, even if the Huawei store can actually be installed on Android-based smartphones. The vulnerable apps were branched out by Dr. Web, with the aim of making it clear what are the risks from which we must absolutely stay away.
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The list of apps affected is very long: here they are all
190 apps involved, including platform, arcade, real-time strategy and shooter games. As always, the danger is well hidden and difficult to spot. Among the most famous apps and ree of hiding malware, we find Hurry up and hide (2 million downloads), Cat Adventures (400,000 downloads), Drive School Simulator (more than 140,000 downloads), but the complete list is very long.
“Android.Cynos.7.origin is one of the modifications of the Cynos program module. This module can be integrated into Android apps to monetize them, and it has been a known platform since at least 2014 “, explained Dr.Web analysts. "Some of its versions have pretty aggressive features: they send premium SMS, intercept incoming SMS, download and start add-on modules, and download and install other apps."
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Huawei's comment on the incident is intended to reassure its users: “AppGallery's built-in security system quickly identified the potential risk within these apps. We are now actively working with affected developers to address issues in their apps. Once we confirm that the apps are all safe, they will be re-entered into the AppGallery so that consumers can re-download them safely. Protecting network security and user privacy is Huawei's top priority, and we welcome any third-party oversight and feedback to ensure we deliver on this commitment. We will continue to collaborate closely with our partners and, at the same time, to use the most advanced and innovative technologies to safeguard the privacy of our users ".