https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/06/apple-removed-screen-reading-malware-apps
Apple has removed 11 iOS apps from the App Store after they were found to contain malicious code designed to steal sensitive information from users’ devices.
Security firm Kaspersky discovered the malware, dubbed “SparkCat,” which utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to scan user photos for sensitive data, such as cryptocurrency recovery phrases.
The malware targeted users in Europe and Asia, attempting to gain access to user photos and extract valuable information.
Apple also identified an additional 89 apps that had previously been rejected or removed from the App Store due to fraud concerns and found to contain similar malicious code.
This incident serves as a reminder for users to be cautious when downloading and installing apps from the App Store, particularly those from unknown developers. Apple recommends utilizing the App Privacy Report feature within the Settings app to monitor app access to sensitive data and avoid granting unnecessary permissions.
By taking these precautions and exercising caution when downloading apps, users can significantly reduce their risk of exposure to malware and other malicious threats.