Android Users should be careful about what they download from Google Play, as security researchers have recently discovered a selection of apps that contained North Korean spyware. The five apps that were affected appeared to be benign file managers or system utilities, but they could collect personal data like SMS messages, call records, and device location. The spyware apps were identified as
Lookout Threat Labhighlighted the following apps, both in English and Korean: hyudaepon Gwanrija, File Manager, seumateu Gwanrija, kakao Boan (Kakao security), and Software Update utility. Google has since removed these apps from the Play Store.
These apps used a new spy tool called KoSpy. It is believed that this tool was developed by a North Korean hacking group known as ScarCruft, or APT37.
KoSpy, a new Android spy, is attributed to APT37. It is a utility app that targets Korean and English-speaking users,” the researchers at Lookout Threat Lab. Warning“KoSpy is able to collect extensive data such as SMS, call logs and location via dynamically loaded plug-ins.”
Some of the apps did work, but only with a basic interface that opened Android settings view. Others did not work at all, and displayed a fake system. Once installed, the apps were able to download plugins that collected surveillance information. The apps could collect data such as SMS messages, call logs and device location. They could also record screenshots and keystrokes, or even take photos using the phone’s camera. It’s unclear how many people downloaded the apps and were affected. However, it’s a reminder to check their sources and reputation before downloading them and giving them access to your device.
Georgina has been the space writer at Digital Trends space writer for six years, covering human space exploration, planetaryā¦
TikTok returns to Apple, Google app stores in U.S.
The TikTok saga continues. Apple reinstated the popular app to the App Store on Thursday evening, and a short while later Google followed suit and put it back on the Play Store. The move came after Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly sent a letter to the tech giants assuring them that they will not face any penalties in relation to a law that banned the app in the U.S. last month.
Both Apple and Google removed TikTok from their respective U.S. app stores on January 18, the day before the law banning the app went into effect. Then, on January 20, newly elected President Trump signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day reprieve from the ban to give his administration āan opportunity to determine the appropriate course forward.ā
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