The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has flagged a new malware, HiddenAds, which has infiltrated Google Play Store that can impact device performance and jeopardize users’ privacy.
In its advisory of August 8, 2022, NCC-CSIRT classified the virus as high in probability and damage potential first identified by the McAfee Mobile Research Team.
The malware infiltrated the Google Play Store through several device cleaners or optimization apps.
NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said in a summary provided by NCC-CSIRT, “Upon installation, it can run malicious services without the user opening the app. It also spams the user with irrelevant advertisements. The apps have received downloads ranging from 100,000 to over a million.
“Some apps HiddenAds masquerades as: Junk Cleaner, EasyCleaner, Power Doctor, Carpet Clean, Super Clean, Meteor Clean, Strong Clean, Windy Clean, Fingertip Cleaner, Keep Clean, Full Clean – Clean Cache, Quick Cleaner, and Cool Clean.
“When a user installs any of the aforementioned apps, whether the user has opened the app or not, a malicious service is immediately installed on the device. The app will then blend into the app tray by changing its icon to the Google Play icon that every Android user is familiar with. Its name will also change to ‘Google Play’ or ‘Setting’. The advisory stated that the device would then be bombarded with ads in various deceptive ways, severely impairing the user experience,” the advisory stated.
Anyone that installs the compromised app will experience their device performance suffering significantly, clicking on the ads may result in stealth downloads/installation of other malware, users may inadvertently subscribe to services and be billed every month, and the privacy of users will be jeopardized.
NCC-CSIRT advised users to avoid downloading questionable apps or apps they are unsure about, while those who have installed any of the identified malicious apps should immediately delete them.
It further disclosed that where the malicious app’s icon and name have changed, it can be identified because it is removable, while the legitimate Google Play app cannot be uninstalled.
The advisory recommended installing anti-virus/anti-malware software with a proven track record for detecting and removing malware.
The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.
The CSIRT also works collaboratively with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), established by the Federal Government, to reduce the volume of future computer risk incidents by preparing, protecting, and securing Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, problems or related events.
