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Millions of Android users at risk from new malware attack — delete these apps now to stay safe
If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, you could be at risk from a new malware attack.
According to Tom's Guide, the malware was discovered by security researchers from the antivirus software maker Dr. Web. It's been reported that Google has removed the offending apps - of which there are 36 - from its app store, but you'll still need to remove them manually if you have any of them currently installed on your devices.
Make sure your device doesn't have any of these apps installed on it. Source: OpenAI
It's believed that the apps have collectively infected more than 10 million devices around the world. Just one of the apps, Neon Theme Keyboard, has been downloaded over a million times.
The specific type of malware varies on an app-by-app basis. Some of the offending apps are a subtype of malware known as ‘Adware’. These tend to work by having hidden web browsers running in the background constantly refreshing various pages full of ads. They don’t typically harvest personal information but will drain your data and battery much faster than normal.
Another subset of malware found in some of the apps above is known as ‘Joker malware’. This type subscribes unwitting users to various premium subscriptions without their knowledge.
Finally, one of the types of malware is designed to harvest personal information from your device, allowing hackers to break into your Facebook account and commit identity theft.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
First and foremost, you should check to see if any of the apps you have installed on your device are affected.
A full list of the affected apps can be found below:
Photo Editor: Beauty Filter
Photo Editor: Retouch & Cutout
Photo Editor: Art Filters
Photo Editor - Design Maker
Photo Editor & Background Eraser
Photo & Exif Editor
Photo Editor - Filters Effects
Photo Filters & Effects
Photo Editor: Blur Image
Photo Editor: Cut, Paste
Emoji Keyboard: Stickers & GIF
Neon Theme Keyboard
Neon Theme - Android Keyboard
Cache Cleaner
FastCleaner: Cache Cleaner
Call Skins - Caller Themes
Funny Caller
CallMe Phone Themes
InCall: Contact Background
MyCall - Call Personalisation
Caller Theme
Caller Theme
Funny Wallpapers - Live Screen
4K Wallpapers Auto Changer
NewScrean: 4D Wallpapers
Stock Wallpapers & Backgrounds
Notes - reminders and lists
If you do have any of these apps installed on your device, you should delete them immediately. Be sure to carefully check any credit card statements to make sure you’re not being charged for bogus subscription services.
Here are a few additional steps you can take to improve your chances of keeping your device clear of malware:
1. Ensure that Google Play Protect is turned on. This is a service that runs in the background, scanning apps for malware.
2. Only download apps from trusted sources. The best bet is to stick to the official Google Play Store.
3. Be careful what you click on. Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts unless you’re absolutely sure they’re legitimate.
4. Keep your security software up to date. This includes your antivirus software as well as your device's operating system.
Members, we encourage you to check your devices for the above apps immediately. Even if you downloaded the app years ago and only used it once, if it's still on your phone it may be able to cause harm.
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