14 DAY TRIAL // Security researchers have come across a fake AdBlock Plus Android app on Google Play. Unlike the legitimate application, which is designed to block ads, the fake one is designed to serve ads.
According to Kaspersky’s Dmitry Bestuzhev, the bogus AdBlock Plus hides a piece of adware detected by Kaspersky as HEUR:AdWare.AndroidOS.Starsys.b.
Once it’s installed on an Android device, the shady app is capable of carrying out several tasks, including reading contacts, interacting with SMS messages, reading archive logs, and accessing the Internet and the phone’s Bluetooth.
The rogue app helps cybercriminals make a profit via the RevMob mobile ad network, which pays users for clicks and installs.
Fortunately, Google has removed the fake AdBlock Plus from Google Play. To avoid ending up with such rogue programs on your smartphone, be sure to check out the app’s developer, its ratings and reviews before installing it.