Android users should delete these 30 'dangerous' camera apps now, experts warn

Tuesday, 21 January 2020 06:10

Android users should delete these 30 'dangerous' camera apps now, experts warn

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A new report by experts at Cyber News has warned Android users about 30 ‘dangerous’ camera apps that have already been downloaded 1 .4 billion times

From Instagram to Snapchat, camera apps are some of the most popular on both the App Store and Google Play Store.

But a new report may encourage you to reassess which camera apps you have on your smartphone.

The report, by experts at Cyber News, has warned Android users about 30 ‘dangerous’ camera apps that have already been downloaded 1 .4 billion times.

In a blog about the findings, researchers Bernard Beyer explained: “When you download a beauty camera app, you’re probably expecting it to add a makeup or cartoon filter on your face for more interesting selfies, or just to clean up some lower-quality pictures you took.

“But in the background, you’re not expecting these apps to scrape and sell your data, plague you with nonstop, malicious ads, redirect you to phishing websites, or even spy on you.”

The researchers analysed the top 30 results that were displayed on the Google Play Store after searching for ‘beauty camera.’

They looked at three factors for each app - the amount of dangerous permissions the apps ask for, the location of the app developers and any history of malware, spyware, vulnerabilities or unethical practices.

Their ‘eye-opening’ analysis revealed that the apps were requesting up to seven dangerous permissions, most of which were unrelated to the app’s main function.

This included permissions for recording audio, using GPS and seeing the user’s phone statuses.

Meanwhile, one app was found to turn your camera on, despite not asking for permission to do so.

Mr Beyer added: “These are non-essential apps that seem to be quite risky. Therefore, we recommend that you practice caution on deciding whether or not to download these apps at all.”

The 30 ‘dangerous’ apps

BeautyPlus – Easy Photo Editor & Selfie Camera

BeautyCam

Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera

Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera Makeup Photo

Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera & Photo Editor

Selfie Camera – Beauty Camera & Photo Editor

YouCam Perfect – Best Selfie Camera & Photo Editor

Sweet Snap – Beauty Selfie Camera & Face Filter

Sweet Selfie Snap – Sweet Camera, Beauty Cam Snap

Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera with Photo Editor

Beauty Camera – Best Selfie Camera & Photo Editor