Mobile phone users are being urged to delete 12 Android apps after Google banned them.
Google has removed the apps from its Play Store after finding out they were tricking users into watching endless adverts or trying to steal sensitive data via so-called phishing attacks. The issues, which were discovered by the cyber security team at Dr.Web, affected a number of apps with some so popular they had been downloaded over 5 million times by Android users across the world.
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.
Read More: Virgin Media gives advice to internet users to give them faster internet speeds for free
Three apps all used the same tactic with one still available on the Play Store, reports The Express. If you have them on your device you might want to consider deleting them as soon as possible. The apps are:
• 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 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 try 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 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
Read Next:
NHS trust to use Fitbits to monitor heart attack patients and help with their rehab
Netflix confirms plans to block millions of users with new password sharing rules
WhatsApp warning with five major changes coming that will affect every user
Millions of UK internet users warned as major providers set to hike prices in April
Experts warn people not to put Amazon Echo Alexa devices in their bedrooms
