Android users warned to delete ‘dangerous’ apps downloaded 421 million times

ANDROID users have been urged to remove malicious apps from their devices that can steal their data.

Every now and then, cybersecurity experts uncover malicious applications living in the Google Play store.

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These applications are often riddled with malware that can target your data.

WHAT IS MALWARE?

Malware is a malicious file or code that can infect your phone or computer.

It can attack your device through malicious apps, compromised emails, or non-secure WiFi connections.

In many cases, users may even receive a text message that redirects them to a malicious link if they tap on it – this is known as ‘smishing’.

WHAT WE KNOW

These malicious apps were discovered by the Cybersecurity firm CloudSEK.

A total of 193 apps were found, with 43 of them still active on the Google Play Store at the time they conducted their report.

These apps can do things like steal your personal login information, and access your files.

CloudSEK revealed that the number of users affected by these apps is around 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 the 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 Slots (+500,000 downloads)

A full list of Android malware that has been detected since May can be found on GitHub’s website here.

The webpage revealed that the apps listed are reported to have been installed over 421,000,000 times.

They also contain a spyware known as SpinOk, which is especially dangerous for Android users.

Spyware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that is installed on a device without the end user’s knowledge.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

For starters, it’s important to always keep your device updated.

You should also avoid installing apps from unofficial Android stores.

Furthermore, you should never download anything from strange pop-up windows.

It can also be helpful to read user reviews and keep Google’s Play Protect feature active.