Android phone users' warning to delete 38 Google apps…

Android phone users' warning to delete 38 Google apps with 'stealthy' hidden feature

Android mobile phone users are being urged to delete 38 apps that used to be available on the Google Play store. A security expert warns the applications came with a malicious hidden feature, as developers tapped into Minecraft popularity with copycat games.

Several of the games contained hidden advertising, with McAfee's Mobile Research Team discovering 38 of the apps on the Play Store, Daily Record reports. Worryingly, these games had been downloaded 38 million times.

All the apps have now been deleted from the Play Store, but the type of attack is capable of generating major cash as mobile phone users are unaware their device is being slowed down by adverts hidden in the background.

"Minecraft’s popularity has led to many attempts to recreate similar games," explained McAfee security adviser Dexter Shin. "As a result, there are so many games with the same concept as Minecraft worldwide. Even on Google Play, we can easily search for similar games."

McAfee Mobile Research Team recently discovered 38 games with hidden advertising. These HiddenAds applications discovered on the Google Play Store and installed by at least 35 million users worldwide, have been found to send packets stealthily for advertising revenue in bulk."

McAfee says it's vital that all Android users check reviews before downloading and installing any new apps onto their phones.

Also, if the performance of your phone begins to suffer after a new download, this could be a sign of something behind the scenes that would be worth checking your recent downloads.

Here is the full list

Block Box Master Diamond

Craft Sword Mini Fun

Block Box Skyland Sword

Craft Monster Crazy Sword

Block Pro Forrest Diamond

Block Game Skyland Forrest

Block Rainbow Sword Dragon

Craft Rainbow Mini Builder

Block Forrest Tree Crazy

Craft Clever Monster Castle

Block Monster Diamond Dragon