If you have an Android smartphone, it’s worth checking now to make sure you don’t have one of the 12 apps installed.
Another warning has been issued regarding Android, and if you don’t want cybercriminals to have access to your data, it’s wise to check your phone without delay. This latest warning was issued by a McAfee security expert who discovered a bug he called Xamalicious that allows users to grant themselves privileges and perform tasks such as screen navigation remotely. This gives thieves complete control over the infected device and allows them to perform all kinds of activities without user interaction, including adding spyware and banking Trojans to steal money. It is also possible to hide elements on the screen, so that the owner does not see that adware is installed that slows down the phone.
A total of 25 apps were found to contain this malicious virus, 13 of which can be easily downloaded from Google’s official Play Store. The US company has now banned all violating applications, but it is believed that more than 300,000 people downloaded them before they were blocked.
Most of the installations were in the UK, US, Brazil, Spain and Germany, McAfee said. Therefore, if you think you have downloaded one of the apps listed below, it is important to check your device and take action now.
• Essential Horoscope for Android – 100,000 downloads
• 3D Skin Editor for PE Minecraft – 100,000 downloads
• Logo Maker Pro – 100,000 downloads
• AutoClick Repeater – 10,000 downloads
• Count Easy Calorie Calculator – 10,000 downloads
• Sound Volume Extender – 5,000 downloads
• LetterLink – 1,000 downloads
• Numerology: Personal horoscope and number predictions – 1,000 downloads
• Step Keeper: Easy Pedometer – 500 Downloads
• Track your sleep – 500 downloads
• Volume Booster – 100 Downloads
• Astrology Navigator: Daily Horoscopes and Tarot – 100 downloads
• Universal Calculator – 100 downloads
If you may have these installed on your device, it is important to remove them without delay and run an antivirus check on your phone.
MacAfee also advises users to avoid using apps that require accessibility services unless they really need to use them. If a new app tries to convince you to activate an accessibility service by claiming that it requires it without a real and reasonable reason and asking you to ignore operating system warnings, it is That’s a red flag.
McAfee also says that users should consider installing security software on their devices and keep it updated, as it is difficult for users to proactively deal with all these threats.