Play Store dumps six antivirus apps for spreading own malware

Google Play Store has dumped at least six “fake” antivirus apps for spreading their own malware, TechRadar reported on Thursday. Cybersecurity experts from Check Point Research, a cyber-threat intelligence company, have claimed that half a dozen antivirus apps available on the Play Store were being used to spread banking malware, said the report.

The ‘antivirus’ apps found to be indulging in foul play were — Atom Clean-Booster, Antivirus; Antivirus, Super Cleaner; Alpha Antivirus, Cleaner; Powerful Cleaner, Antivirus; Center Security - Antivirus (two versions).

Theses apps were carrying a malware strain -- "Sharkbot'' – which steals passwords and banking information, according to the report that cites Check Point Research. It added that further, the Sharkbot malware "shares push notifications" and "offers fake login prompts" in an attempt to hoodwink users into sharing their credentials with attackers.