A new study reveals that cybercriminals are abusing app permissions to commit fraud and install malware. The report also shows that games are the most common form of malware-infected app.
Under the camouflage of “free” apps, cybercriminals are able to get consumers to agree to invasive permissions that allow scammers to deploy malware, according to the Mobile Security: McAfee Consumer Trends Report – June 2013.
The permissions in free apps, funded by adware, leak personal information which ad networks use to serve targeted ads; however, McAfee found that 26 percent of apps are likely more than just adware. SMS scams and rooting exploits were among the most popular types of threats seen across a variety of apps.
“Privacy when downloading apps is often overlooked by consumers, and most fail to even understand the permissions they are agreeing to,” said Stephan Perchard, Vice President, Consumer and Mobile, Asia Pacific, McAfee. “This allows cybercriminals to abuse app permissions and deliver mobile malware efficiently. Mobile consumers are unknowingly letting their personal and private information slip into these cybercriminal’s hands, opening up endless doors for scammers.”
Premium Rate SMS Scams: A Pricey Problem
The report examines Fake Installer, a piece of SMS malware disguised within a free app that sends up to seven messages. At a typical premium rate of $4 USD per message, that “free” app can cost up to $28 USD as the malware tells a consumer’s device to send messages to or receive messages from a premium rate SMS number.
Bogus App Ratings: Read between the Stars
The report analyzes FakeRun, malware that tricks users in the United States, India, and 64 other countries into giving an app a five-star rating on Google Play. Once an app developer has been rated highly, other apps they publish will be trusted, which creates more opportunities for a criminal to publish and distribute malware-carrying apps.
Malicious Apps by Category: Games Top the List
The report also identifies the most popular apps that carry malware. Of the top 20 downloads of malware-infected apps, games won the popularity contest, followed by personalization and a tie between tools, music, lifestyle (a cover category for adult content) and TV.
