No matter how much Security mechanism Google try to implement to keep the malware from getting placed in Google Play store, Cyber Criminals are still able to upload their malicious apps.
Recently a ‘fake’ android anti-virus application found on Play Store and tricked more than 10,000 users into buying it. But, Google which doesn’t want to lose its reputation gave refund and $5 promo credit to those individuals scammed by this app
Now, Researchers from Security firm LookOut have spotted another set of malicious apps on Google’s Play store which turns the infected devices into a distributed bitcoin mining system.
Dubbed as ‘BadLepricon’, the malware disguise itself as a Live wallpaper app for android. These five malicious apps had been downloaded between 100-500 times before Google removed them.
It seems like cybercriminals’ interest in using the infected android devices to mine cryptocurrencies is increasing day by day.
Last month, LookOut reported that CoinKrypt malware hijacked mobile phones in order to use it to generate digital currency. Few days back, TrendMicro also discovered a Java RAT which is capable of abusing the android devices to mine Litecoin.