Security firm: Google removes 8 malicious apps disguised as cryptocurrency cloud mining platforms from the Play Store

Google has removed eight malicious mobile apps disguised as cryptocurrency cloud mining apps from its Play Store, according to a report from cybersecurity firm Trend Micro.

According to the report, the malicious apps tricked victims into watching ads, paying an average of $15 per month for subscription services, and paying to increase computing power without actually receiving anything in return.

After the company reported its findings to Google, the apps were immediately removed from the Play Store. The apps are: BitFunds, Bitcoin Miner, Bitcoin (BTC), Crypto Holic, Daily Bitcoin Rewards, Bitcoin 2021, MineBit Pro, BTC miner and Ethereum (ETH), of which Crypto Holic and Daily Bitcoin Rewards are paid apps.

In addition, the company also searched for the keyword "cloud mining" on Google Play and found "related applications" similar to this type of application. Some of these applications have been downloaded more than 100,000 times.