From Google to Samsung, Android smartphones are some of the most popular handheld devices around the world.
But if you use an Android smartphone, a new report may urge you to reconsider which apps you have installed.
Researchers from Avast have warned about 47 dangerous apps that are disguised as games on the Google Play Store.
The apps, dubbed ‘HiddenAds', appear as innocent games, but actually include adware technology that can bombard your smartphone with intrusive ads.
Worryingly, the apps have been downloaded more than 15 million times already, and 17 of the apps are still available on the Google Play Store.
Jakub Vavra, threat analyst at Avast, said: “Campaigns like HiddenAds may slip into the Play Store through obfuscating their true purpose or slowly introducing malicious features once already downloaded by users.
“It’s difficult to prevent adware campaigns since actors use one-off developer accounts for each app.
“While Google has been a great partner to remove malicious apps, users need to remain vigilant as they download new apps on their devices and check for telltale signs of a bad app such as negative reviews, extensive device permission requests and more.”
The researchers’ analysis revealed that the apps have the ability to hide their icon on your smartphone, making it tricky to find and delete them.
Meanwhile, seven of the apps were found to be able to open the phone’s browser to display additional apps.
This means that the ads continue to be served, even once you’ve deleted the app from your device.
Based on the findings, we would advise anyone with the apps installed to delete them immediately.
Apps to delete
Draw Color by Number
Skate Board - New
Find Hidden Differences
Shoot Master
Stacking Guys
Disc Go!
Spot Hidden Differences
Dancing Run - Color Ball Run
Find 5 Differences
Joy Woodworker
Throw Master
Throw into Space
Divide it - Cut & Slice Game
Tony Shoot - NEW
Assassin Legend
Flip King
Save Your Boy
Assassin Hunter 2020
Stealing Run
Fly Skater 2020
