Security News > 2023 > August > Google Play apps with 2.5M installs load ads when screen's off
McAfee's Mobile Research Team discovered the malicious Android apps and reported them to Google as they violated Google Play Store's policies.
McAfee's report says the adware was hidden in Google Play apps that impersonated the TV/DMB Player, Music Downloader, News, and Calendar applications.
Once installed on the device, the adware apps wait several weeks before activating their ad-fraud activity to deceive the users and evade detection by Google reviewers.
This exclusion allows the adware apps to fetch and load advertisements even when the device's screen is off, fraudulently generating revenue and giving the users no apparent way to realize what is happening.
Roid users are advised to always read reviews before installing apps and to scrutinize requested permissions while installing new apps before allowing them to install.
Apps with 1.5M installs on Google Play send your data to China.