Android owners have been warned to check their phones for 15 malicious apps, and delete them immediately.
Online protection company McAfee has discovered a new strain of malware dubbed Xamalicious hiding in the Android apps, which have already been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times.
The apps are no longer available on the Google Play store, but Android users who have already downloaded them to their device must take immediate action.
McAfee reports the hidden malware can take full control of devices and perform fraudulent actions such as clicking on ads, installing apps and other financially motivated actions without user consent.
It has been seen across Europe, especially in the UK, Spain and Germany, and in the US, Brazil and Argentina.
The apps include a number related to horoscopes, and health apps including a step counter and sleep tracker.
The 15 apps to delete on Android now
- Essential Horoscope for Android
- 3D Skin Editor for PE Minecraft
- Logo Maker Pro
- Auto Click Repeater
- Count Easy Calorie Calculator
- Sound Volume Extender
- LetterLink
- NUMEROLOGY: PERSONAL HOROSCOPE &NUMBER PREDICTIONS
- Step Keeper: Easy Pedometer
- Track Your Sleep
- Sound Volume Booster
- Astrological Navigator: Daily Horoscope & Tarot
- Universal Calculator
- Dots: One Line Connector
- CashMagnet
Even if you don’t have any of the applications installed, users should always be on the lookout for symptoms that your device may have malware.
They include alerts about a virus, anti-virus software you no longer use, a decrease in operating speed, a decrease in storage space, and your device failing to work.
Infected phones may also send emails or social media posts without your knowledge.
How to keep your phone safe from dangerous apps
- When downloading a new app, McAfee recommends reviewing it first with a critical eye – look for poor grammar in the app description, read the reviews and check whether the developer has published other apps that have been well reviewed, too.
- Avoid using any apps that require accessibility services unless there is a genuine need for use.
- Ensure that your mobile device is protected with comprehensive security solutions that include features to monitor and block potentially malicious links and apps.
- And as always, never click on suspicious links in messages or emails, even if they say you must act urgently. This is a common ploy by cybercriminals. If you are unsure whether it is legitimate or not, contact the company directly.
MORE : iPhone and Android warning to anyone with these 17 apps: ‘Delete now’
MORE : Experts issue urgent warning for festive sales as millions of people fall victim to scam
MORE : How to spot a scam email and protect yourself, with advice from ex-hacker
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