Cyberattacks through Google Play apps are on the rise, with over 200 malicious apps recently uncovered. These apps were downloaded nearly 8 million times, posing serious risks to users globally. Nigeria is one of the top 10 targeted countries, alongside India, the US, and South Africa, among others.
With mobile devices now central to online activities, cyber threats have escalated. According to the report, 96.5% of internet users access the web through their phones. This heavy reliance on mobile has fueled a surge in malicious apps. These Google Play apps were removed, but not before they impacted millions of users via cyberattacks.
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The report shows a 29% increase in banking malware attacks and a staggering 111% rise in mobile spyware incidents over the past year. Cyberattacks have grown more profitable, with attackers using phishing techniques and bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA). They exploit fake login pages for banks, social media, and cryptocurrency platforms.
QR codes have become another attack method. For example, the Android banking malware, Anatsa, used QR codes to target over 650 financial institutions globally. Cybercriminals also spread remote access trojans via fake Skype and Zoom websites, leading users to download harmful APK files.
The Joker malware family was the most prevalent, making up 38% of the identified apps. It subscribes users to premium services without their consent. Adware accounted for 35% of threats, while “Facestealers,” which steal Facebook credentials, comprised 14%. Despite these threats, researchers noted a decline in Android malware activity. By May 2024, the number of blocked malicious transactions dropped significantly, although Zscaler still recorded an average of 1.7 million malware blocks per month over the past year.
