Kudos0

Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 13-Dec-2021 | 8:17PM · 7 Replies ·

I have been using Norton 360 for Android and "TUFFS Pro", a.k.a. "App Shortcuts", for years on the same device. After Norton 360 updated recently, it started flagging the "TUFFS Pro" app as malware, but there is no indication as to WHY. The "TUFFS Pro" app was not been updated since December, 2019, so nothing has changed with the app itself. I reached out to Norton on Twitter and via Chat, but nobody could give me a reason why the app is now considered to be malware. For safety, I did remove the app, but have no way of determining if this was a case of misidentification by Norton.

Labels: Android, Malware Scan

Replies

Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 2:46AM · Permalink

Malware definitions for apps change frequently and now Norton may be flagging this app. You probably might know better but I think you did the prudent thing until further examination.

Have you tried doing a Google search to see if anything comes up? Also have you tried other antivirus scans on your Android to see if they flag it? More research is necessary but keep it off your device at least for now.

Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 8:09AM · Permalink

When I look at this app in the Google Play Store, the Norton app advisor shows it as a PUA, Possibly Unwanted App. 

You can report possible false positive indications here   https://submit.norton.com/?type=FP

Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 11:38AM · Permalink

Yes, I did search Google and only found references to the app's Play Store page or it's APK in another repository. (I only get apps directly from the Play Store.) I have removed it and am using an older competitor app.
Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 11:41AM · Permalink

Thanks for the link. After I removed the app, I noticed the PUA warning. I reinstalled the app and it was immediately flagged as malware, so I removed it again and have not reinstalled it.
Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 11:55AM · Permalink

The fact that Norton is inconsistent with regard to how it categorizes the app before installation as "Unusual Behavior", and after installation as "Malware" does not instill confidence for the accuracy of the reporting. The app creates a persistent notification (into which you can place shortcuts to apps or contacts for quick access) which could be considered unusual. I sent an e-mail to the developer and have not received a reply. The developer contact info is Moscow, Russia. Is this a problem? Has something happened? Has the app been sold to a bad actor that has a history of malware? Has Norton found actual evidence of this app, last updated in December of 2019, acting as malware? These are the questions I would really like to have answered. Ultimately, I would never recommend anyone ignore such a serious warning. I have removed the app and will see if any new info comes up.
Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 12:22PM · Permalink

Keep us posted about any info you might find. This is a nice mystery that I think only a Norton tech could fill us in on the details behind the categorization. 

Kudos0

Re: Norton 360 for Android now flagging an app as "Malware"

Posted: 14-Dec-2021 | 5:49PM · Permalink

So did you submit a possible false positive detection report with the link I gave above?

That is the only way to get Norton's attention on this.

This thread is closed from further comment. Please visit the forum to start a new thread.