Samsung, Huawei and Google phone owners have been warned to delete a number of popular apps potentially containing money-stealing malware.
Tech boffins have warned Android smartphone and tablet users that a host of apps might contain the malicious software.
The group of apps are on millions of phones worldwide and some of these might contain a vicious bug that could steal someone’s personal information.
There are even concerns it could steal someone’s money through subscription services used on the phone.
Since 2020, almost 200 apps with a strain of the ‘Harly’ malware has been installed.
The programming was discovered by anti-virus provider Kaspersky who gave it its comic book inspired name - after Harley Quinn - for its similarities to another infamous Android virus/comicbook character - Joker.
There have been reports Harly is capable of signing the Android user up to an expensive subscription service without them ever realising it.
It does this by secretly stealing text message security codes, The Daily Express reported.
Harly can also verify subscriptions via phone calls unknowing to the phone owner and if undetected it could drain someone’s bank account unchecked.
Speaking about how these dangerous apps managed to sneak onto people's phones, Kaspersky said : "Since 2020 more than 190 apps infected with Harly have been found on Google Play.
“A conservative estimate of the number of downloads of these apps is 4.8 million, but the actual figure may be even higher.
"Just like the Jocker Trojans, Trojans in the Harly family imitate legitimate apps. So how does it work?
“The scammers download ordinary apps from Google Play, insert malicious code into them, then upload them to Google Play under a different name.
"The apps may still have the features that are listed in the description, so the users may not even suspect a threat."
Kaspersky also highlighted a number of affected Play Store apps which Android users should stay vigilant of - some of which have been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times already.
Whilst all of the below apps have been subsequently removed from the marketplace since, users are urged to delete them from their devices should they have installed them beforehand.
In terms of staying safe in the future from dangerous apps which sneak through the filter onto the Google Play Store, users are urged to always pay close attention to application reviews.
You might come across write-ups from other users who have already fallen victim to a scam, who are warning others against it.
It's also best practice to look into app developers, and only using the more trusty and reputable ones, who are renowned and well-known.
Anti-virus software installed directly onto your device can also help stay clear or threats and malware - but be sure to download this from an official app and trusted provider.
Sometimes, scammers have even invented fake anti-virus apps - which will do the opposite of keeping your devices safe.
The full list of apps
- Pony Camera - Over 500,000 downloads
- Live Wallpaper&Themes Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
- Action Launcher & Wallpapers - Over 100,000 downloads
- Color Call - Over 100,000 downloads
- Good Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
- Mondy Widgets - Over 100,000 downloads
- Funcalls-Voice Changer - Over 100,000 downloads
- Eva Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
- Newlook Launcher - Over 100,000 downloads
- Pixel Screen Wallpaper - Over 100,000 downloads
