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Malware Alert! 7 apps you should delete from your iPhone before it's too late
We recently ran a story highlighting a serious security breach on Android devices, with a number of malicious apps wreaking havoc on unsuspecting users. As it turns out, Apple devices are not immune to malware either. A new group of apps hiding malware have been caught on the App Store.
The hackers responsible for the compromised apps managed to circumvent the security checks on Apple's App Store, leaving potentially millions of iPhone and iPad users exposed.
Alex Kleber, a security researcher from Germany, discovered the malicious apps and tweeted about them in late July.
The iPhone apps in question are believed to have been developed in China. Source: Open AI
Despite attempts to hide the true origin of the apps, it is believed by Mr Kleber that they all originated from a single group working out of China.
It is believed that the apps have built-in command and control (C&C) tools, which allow hackers to control their victims' devices remotely, for anything from recording calls, taking screenshots, and stealing login details.
The apps in question are:
- PDF Reader for Adobe PDF Files
- Word Writer Pro
- Screen Recorder
- Webcam Expert
- Streaming Browser Video Player
- PDF Editor for Adobe Files
- PDF Reader
It was further noted that several of the apps on the list have what appear to be thousands of fake positive reviews to inflate their popularity.
If you have any of these apps installed on your device, it is strongly recommended that you delete them immediately. Although these apps have subsequently been pulled from the app store by Apple, they may still be present on your device and can still cause harm. Not only are they a security risk, but they could also be draining your battery and eating up valuable storage space.
Here are a few additional steps you can take to improve your chances of keeping your Apple device clear of malware:
- Keep your software up to date: This includes your operating system, as well as any apps you have installed. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, so it's important to patch them as soon as possible.
- Only download apps from trusted sources: The App Store is generally considered to be a safe place to get apps, but as this incident shows, it's not infallible. If you're unsure about an app, do some research on it before hitting the download button.
- Use a reputable security app: There are a number of good security apps available for both iOS and Android that can help to protect your device from malware.
- Be cautious about what you click on: Whether it's an email attachment or a link in a text message, be wary of anything that comes from an untrustworthy source. If something looks suspicious, don't open it.
Be careful out there, members. We urge you to check your phones and tablets for the above apps even if they don't ring a bell, as you may have installed them months ago and forgotten about them.
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