Android owners are being urged to delete 12 popular apps after they were removed from the Google Play store.
The apps had received millions of downloads before they were flagged by cybersecurity experts, Dr Web. The banned apps were guised as fitness, gaming or questionnaire apps and tricked users into clicking links that visit dodgy websites.
As reported by the Express, the most recent banned apps promised users rewards for staying active, as walking and exercising could earn them points. However, when people tried to cash out they were either blocked from claiming or asked to watch endless adverts with nothing in return.
READ MORE: Jet2 issues travel warning for all UK customers
The IT cybersecurity firm flagged apps, which have received millions of downloads, named Walking Tracker, WalkingJoy and Lucky Habit for using this tactic. However, Lucky Habit has not yet been removed from the app store from this time.
The next bundle of applications to be removed from Google's servers were found to be trying to siphon personal data via phishing tactics. Phishing is when attackers attempt to trick users into doing 'the wrong thing', such as clicking a bad link that will download malware, or direct them to a dodgy website.
According to Dr.Web, some of these 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.
None of those enticing features were actually real. Instead, victims were asked to provide their personal data in order to submit an “application” for account registration or to communicate with a so-called “specialist”. The apps which have all now been removed from the Play Store for using this tactic include:
- 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
- Lucky Hammer – 1Kdownloads
According to detection statistics collected by Dr.Web for Android, the activity of adware trojans and spyware increased in December 2022. At the same time, many new threats were discovered on Google Play over the course of last month. Among them were dozens of fake apps and trojans that subscribe victims to paid services.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Emmerdale fans disappointed as Kim Tate is 'replaced'
BBC Breakfast hosts in disbelief after Scouser's surprise Eurovision admission
Gogglebox star shows off weight loss results after 'working hard' for a year
Boots shoppers wowed by 'lifesaver' £12 eye cream that makes wrinkles 'invisible'
Shoppers praise 79p Asda and Wilko product that makes yellow-stained pillows look new
