Governments Reveal Dozens of Spyware-Infested Android Apps Used to Target Civil Society
Governments from the U.S., U.K., and allies warn about spyware hidden in over 100 Android apps used to surveil civil society groups linked to China.
Matilda
Governments Reveal Dozens of Spyware-Infested Android Apps Used to Target Civil Society
As someone who closely follows cybersecurity developments, I felt compelled to dig deep into one of the most alarming revelations in recent months: a global coalition of governments has exposed a large-scale spyware campaign hiding inside seemingly legitimate Android apps. These apps weren’t just annoying malware—they were carefully crafted tools used for surveillance against people viewed as threats to China’s state interests. Image Credits:SOPA Images/ Getty Images Global Governments Join Forces to Warn Users About Spyware-Infested Apps On April 9, 2025, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in partnership with agencies from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand, published detailed advisories about two powerful spyware families: BadBazaar and Moonshine. These aren't new names to researchers, but what shocked many—including me—was the extent of their global targeting and how well they were hidden inside legitimate-looking Android apps. What Are BadBazaar a…
