New Adware Discovered in 22 Apps in Google Play

[starbuck]

The 'LightsOut' adware is found in flashlight and utility apps, which have been downloaded between 1.5 million to 7.5 million times.

New adware dubbed "LightsOut" is making the rounds in Google Play, hiding in 22 flashlight and utility apps that have been download up to 7.5 million times, reports Check Point Research, which made the discovery.

LightsOut embeds its malicious script into flashlight and utility apps that appear legitimate.
It then hides its icon when the app is launched, making it difficult for the user to remove the adware.

Although the malicious app offers users a control panel and checkbox to disable additional services, such as displaying ads, LightsOut can override users' efforts.
As a result, the persistent ads do not appear related to the control panel and checkboxes, reports Check Point.

Any Wi-Fi connection, a locked screen, a cell phone call that ends, or a charger plugged into a device can trigger the LightsOut adware, according to Check Point.

Read more about LightsOut here.


Source:
New Adware Discovered in 22 Apps in Google Play

 

[AWS]

The flashlight apps seem to be the most hit with malware. This is the second or third time I heard of it hitting the flashlight app.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Yes and almost everyone I know has a flashlight app of one kind or another.
Luckily, I have a Windows phone and there really aren't too many apps for that.

 

[plodr]

Why do people need a flashlight app? I scroll down from the top of the screen, (Samsung J3 Emerge - cheap phone) see flashlight and can turn on the camera flash to use as a flashlight. No need to install nything.

 

[starbuck]

Why do people need a flashlight app? I scroll down from the top of the screen, (Samsung J3 Emerge - cheap phone) see flashlight and can turn on the camera flash to use as a flashlight. No need to install anything

Same on my Samsung phone...... never used the flashlight anyway.

 

[Tony D]

I think some flashlight apps really light up the screen a bit brighter than they are normally. Also, because there are no icons or other items on the screen, it's just brighter.

 

[plodr]

I have an outdoor mode which can turn up my screen brightness if I am viewing in bright sun.

I guess my cheap $80 phone has good things already installed. I don't install much more than other browsers and WAZE for directions.