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Novel-reading apps used users’ phones to generate fake ad traffic

Feeds2.Feedburner •Sinisa Markovic • August 6, 2026

A new mobile ad fraud scheme, dubbed Papyrus, is using a cluster of novel-reading apps to generate hidden browser traffic, according to IAS Threat Lab. Sample novel-reading apps associated with Papyrus (Source: IAS Threat Lab) While a person taps through chapters of a romance or fantasy story, the app is quietly loading websites in a browser window hidden from view, clicking on them, and scrolling through them on its own. “Papyrus is built around BootNova, … More →

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This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Papyrus Ad Fraud Scheme Exploits Novel-Reading Apps for Hidden Traffic Generation The Papyrus mobile ad fraud scheme utilizes novel-reading apps to generate deceptive web traffic. Users unknowingly engage with these apps while they load and interact with websites in the background. This operation takes advantage of prolonged reading sessions, allowing hidden browser activity to mimic genuine user engagement. The scheme has been identified by IAS Threat Lab, which highlights its potential to impact a significant number of users. The exact number of affected users and the scale of the operation remain unclear. No specific CVEs or tools have been disclosed in relation to this fraud. The current status indicates ongoing investigations into the extent of the fraud and its operators. Security professionals are advised to monitor for unusual traffic patterns associated with these apps. 2 sources 49

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Papyrus