PlayPraetor Android Trojan: Over 11,000 Devices Compromised via Fake Google Play Pages and Meta Ads
TL;DR
A new Android trojan, PlayPraetor, has infected over 11,000 devices across Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco, Peru, and Hong Kong. Distributed through fake Google Play pages and Meta advertisements, this RAT targets Spanish and French speakers, with a growth rate exceeding 2,000 new infections weekly.
PlayPraetor Android Trojan: A Rapidly Growing Threat
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new Android remote access trojan (RAT) named PlayPraetor, which has compromised more than 11,000 devices. The primary targets are users in Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco, Peru, and Hong Kong. This sophisticated trojan, characterized by its aggressive campaign tactics, is spreading rapidly among Spanish and French-speaking communities.
Rapid Expansion and Targeted Campaigns
The PlayPraetor botnet is experiencing exponential growth, with over 2,000 new infections recorded weekly. This surge is driven by highly targeted campaigns that exploit fake Google Play pages and Meta advertisements, luring unsuspecting users into downloading the malicious software.
Distribution Channels
The primary distribution channels for PlayPraetor include:
- Fake Google Play Pages: These pages mimic the official Google Play Store, deceiving users into believing they are downloading legitimate applications.
- Meta Advertisements: Ad campaigns on Meta platforms are used to direct users to these fake pages, increasing the reach and effectiveness of the trojan’s distribution.
By leveraging these popular and trusted platforms, the attackers behind PlayPraetor have managed to infiltrate a wide range of devices with alarming efficiency1.
Conclusion
The PlayPraetor Android trojan represents a significant and growing threat, particularly for Spanish and French-speaking users. With over 11,000 devices already compromised and a weekly infection rate exceeding 2,000, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant. Avoiding downloads from unverified sources and being cautious of advertisements can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to this sophisticated malware.
For more detailed information, visit the full article: The Hacker News.
Additional Resources
For further insights, check:
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)
References
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(2025). “PlayPraetor Android Trojan Infects 11,000+ Devices via Fake Google Play Pages and Meta Ads”. The Hacker News. Retrieved 2025-08-04. ↩︎