Trend Micro researchers found in the Google Play Store more than 120 fake cryptocurrency mining apps. Some of them were downloaded more than 100,000 times.
According to the study, the malware does not actually perform mining. They charge users a monthly fee of around $15 and additional charges allegedly for providing ‘enhanced mining capabilities’. Some apps require prepayment.
From July 2020 to July 2021, they affected more than 4,500 users worldwide.
Following Trend Micro’s report, Google removed eight fraudulent apps. Among them were BitFunds, Bitcoin Miner, Daily Bitcoin Rewards, Crypto Holic, MineBit Pro, Bitcoin 2021, Ethereum – Pool Mining Cloud and the Bitcoin (BTC) wallet – Pool Mining Cloud Wallet.
However, more than 120 malicious programs are still available for download.
Earlier in July, experts found 172 fake Android apps for mining.
From August 3, Google allowed promoting via its advertising services the services of cryptocurrency exchanges and digital wallets for users in the United States. For this, advertisers must register with [simple_tooltip content=’Сеть по борьбе с финансовыми преступлениями США’]FinCEN[/simple_tooltip] as a money services business, or hold a banking license in at least one state.
Subscribe to ForkLog news on Telegram: ForkLog Feed — the full news feed, ForkLog — the most important news, infographics and opinions.