Users have to download a separate installer to remove the app

Oct 24, 2013 12:43 GMT  ·  By

If you’re a Skype user and you want to change your dull smileys with something more interesting, there are a lot of applications to choose from. However, experts warn that some of them are bundled with all sorts of shady apps.

ThreatTrack Security researchers have come across one website, skypemoticonsb(dot)asia, that offers such an app.

One “interesting” thing about the app is that it doesn’t have an integrated uninstaller. Instead, users have to visit the website and separately download one of the two offered by developers. Apparently, for some reason, one of them might not work.

When it’s installed, the Skype emoticons application also deploys various extensions that change the web browser’s homepage, and request all sorts of other permissions.

For instance, one of them, Download keeper asks for permission to access data on all websites, tabs and browsing activity, and even permission to manage apps, extensions and themes.

If the user decides to uninstall the Skype smileys application, the browser extensions and the other pieces of crapware installed on the computer are not removed. Each of them has to be disabled manually.

For additional details on this Skype emoticons application, check out ThreatTrack Security’s blog and the gallery below.

Skype Emoticons app (5 Images)

Shady Skype emoticons app
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