Google Confirms Play Store App Deletion—What You Do Now

Hitcore

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Full article:

TLDR: What You Need to Know

A new spyware called KoSpy, linked to North Korean hackers, has been found in fake apps like:
  • Phone Manager
  • File Manager
  • Smart Manager
  • Kakao Security
  • Software Update Utility
If you have any of these apps, DELETE them immediately!

What This Malware Can Do:
❌ Steal SMS messages and call logs
❌ Track your location
❌ Record audio and take screenshots
❌ Log keystrokes (what you type)
❌ Access files and installed apps

How to Stay Safe:
✅ Keep Play Protect enabled (Play Store > Profile > Play Protect)
✅ Avoid sideloading apps (installing APKs from unknown sources)
✅ Be cautious of apps asking for too many permissions
✅ Keep your phone and apps updated

Google has removed these apps from the Play Store, but they may still be available elsewhere. Stay alert, fellow nerds! 🤓
 

Retro

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That's pretty bad and makes me wonder if there are state actors at play here, ie Russia, China etc not just North Korea. I wonder if this has hit the Apple App Store, but we just haven't heard about it. Seems likely and I'm sure we'll know one way or the other soon.
 

Hitcore

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Yeah, especially keyloggers have dangerous potential, as those can retrieve passwords.

I'm an Android guy, I don't know much about Apple Apps to be quite honest, but if I'll keep an eye on tech news and post updates if they arise.
 
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