ANDROID users are being asked to remove malicious apps from their devices that can steal data.
Cybersecurity experts sometimes discover malicious applications residing in the Google Play Store.
These applications often contain a lot of malware that targets your data.
What is malware?
Malware is malicious files or code that can infect your phone or computer.
They can attack your device through malicious apps, compromised emails, or unsecured WiFi connections.
In many cases, users may also receive a text message that, when tapped, redirects them to a malicious link. This is known as “smishing”.
what we know
These malicious apps were discovered by cybersecurity firm CloudSEK.
A total of 193 apps were found, of which 43 were still active on the Google Play Store at the time of the report.
These apps can steal your personal login information and access your files.
CloudSEK revealed that the number of users affected by these apps is approximately 30 million.
Most of these software are games that you may have forgotten you downloaded.
Apps to delete now
Below are the top 10 infected apps based on number of installs.
- HexaPop Link 2248 (+5 million downloads)
- Macaron Match (+1 million downloads)
- Macaron Boom (+1 million downloads)
- Jelly Connect (+1 million downloads)
- Tiler Master (+1 million downloads)
- Crazy Magic Ball (+1 million downloads)
- Bitcoin Master (+1 million downloads)
- Happy 2048 (+1 million downloads)
- Mega Win Slot (+500,000 downloads)
A complete list of Android malware detected since May can be found on the GitHub website here.
The webpage reveals that the listed apps have been reported to have been installed more than 421 million times.
It also contains spyware known as SpinOk, which is especially dangerous for Android users.
Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) that is installed on a device without the end user’s knowledge.
How to stay safe
First, it’s important to keep your device updated.
Also, avoid installing apps from unofficial Android stores.
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Additionally, don’t download anything from strange pop-up windows.
It also helps to read user reviews and keep Google’s Play Protect feature active.