Find out why it’s dangerous

Find out why it’s dangerous


HIGHLIGHTS

Antivirus app “AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner” with over 1 Crore downloads on Google Play Store is fake.

Instead of protecting your device from malware and viruses, the app focuses primarily on displaying advertisements and increasing downloads.

The app generates fake virus alerts and falsely labels almost every app on your device as “risky.”


If you think having an antivirus app on your Android phone will keep your device safe, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Cybersecurity firm Quick Heal Technologies has uncovered a fake app called “AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner” that has clocked over 1 crore downloads on Google Play Store. Although it seems like a reliable protection for your device, this app is far from safe and may endanger your personal information instead of protecting it.

The existence of such a popular but misleading app raises serious mobile security concerns. Many users trust antivirus applications to protect their devices from threats, but AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner is an alarming reminder that not all apps are what they claim to be. Let’s explore what makes this app dangerous and how you can protect yourself from similar threats.

Also Read: What is a Necro Trojan? The new malware that is spreading through the Google Play Store and has already infected over 11 million devices

Why is AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner dangerous?

According to Quick Heal, “AntiVirus – Virus Cleaner” claims to be a real antivirus solution but offers no real protection. Instead of protecting your device from malware and viruses, the app focuses primarily on displaying advertisements and increasing download numbers. While it offers features like “Scan device and application,” these options are misleading. The app doesn’t actually scan your device for threats, but instead relies on a static list of apps marked as either malicious or safe that weren’t updated during the scan.

After installing, you will notice that the app displays a different icon than the one in the Play Store. To further mislead users, the app generates fake virus alerts and falsely labels almost every app on your device as “risky.” This tactic creates a false sense of urgency and increases the likelihood that users will rely on the app for protection.

Also read: High-risk security flaw found in iPhones and other Apple products: Is your device safe?

What do you have to do?

A closer look at the app’s package files revealed suspicious JSON files that suggest manipulative practices. These files contain a whitelist of popular apps like Facebook and Instagram as well as the app’s package name to avoid detection. The app was flagged as “Android.Blacklister (PUP)” with specific identifiers for its package and hash.

To protect yourself from scam mobile apps like this, follow these simple tips before downloading any application:

  • Read the app description carefully.
  • Check the developer’s name and website to check its credibility.
  • Check out reviews and ratings to understand other users’ experiences.
  • Avoid downloading apps from third-party stores as they are often fake apps.

Ayushi JainAyushi Jain

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. I combine my passion for technology and gaming to bring you the latest from both worlds. View full profile