Android users have been warned a number of popular apps, some of which were downloaded millions of times, should be deleted from phones.
Google has blocked 12 from its Play store over fears they were tricking users into watching endless adverts or trying to steal sensitive data via phishing attacks.
Some of those affected were fitness apps used to track people’s steps, while others were games.
The issues were discovered by the cyber security team at Dr.Web, and some of the affected apps had been downloaded more than five million times by users across the world, the Express reported.
It said in a statement: “Doctor Web’s specialists discovered many new threats on Google Play.
“Among them were dozens of trojan apps from the Android.FakeApp malware family.
“They connected to a remote server and, in accordance with the configuration received from it, instead of providing the expected functionality, they could display the contents of various websites—including phishing ones.”
The first pair of apps removed from Google promised users rewards for staying active.
The more walking and exercise users did each day the more points they scored towards free prizes.
However, when most people tried to cash out they were either blocked from claiming or asked to watch endless adverts with nothing in return.
Three apps all used the same tactic with one still available on the Play Store.
They were:
Lucky Step – Walking Tracker • 10 million downloads
WalkingJoy - 5 million downloads
Lucky Habit: health tracker - 5 million downloads (currently still available on the Play Store).
The other apps removed from Google's servers were found to be trying to syphon personal data via phishing tactics.
Phishing is when attackers attempt to trick users into clicking a bad link which will download malware, or direct them to a dodgy website.
According to Dr.Web, some of the fake applications were distributed under the guise of investing software, directories, and questionnaires whilst others tempted users with the offer of simple and addictive games.
Apps removed from Play store
Golden Hunt - 100K downloads
Reflector 100K - downloads
Seven Golden Wolf blackjack - 100K downloads
Unlimited Score - 50K downloads
Big Decisions - 50K downloads
Jewel Sea – 10K downloads
Lux Fruits Game – 10K downloads
Lucky Clover – 10K downloads
King Blitz – 5K downloads
