Google Play Store has been the scene of a new silent threat. More than 50 apps, from photo galleries to games and cleaners, have been infected with the NoVoice virus. These apps, downloaded at least 2.3 million times, manage to deceive users by offering their promised functionality without asking for strange permissions, but in the background they try to take full control of the device. 😱
How the root exploit works in Google Play apps 🛡️
The NoVoice virus exploits security vulnerabilities patched between 2016 and 2021. When executed, the app attempts to gain root access by taking advantage of old flaws that many manufacturers do not update. Once with administrator privileges, the malware can install unwanted software, steal data, or spy on the user. The worrying thing is that it does not need suspicious permissions; it acts in the background using known exploits. Users with recent security patches are safe, but millions of older devices remain exposed.
The cleaner that promised order and left you without data 🧹
It turns out that those cache and photo gallery cleaners that promised so much not only removed junk files, but also tried to clean up your security. It's like inviting a friend to tidy up your house and they end up taking the TV. The best part is that the apps work perfectly, so the user thinks: how useful, until they discover that their phone is now sending messages on its own. A scam with a good rating.