ANDROID users have been warned about malicious apps that could be lingering on their devices.
One of the biggest ways hackers target smartphone users is via Android software, thanks to its open-source program.
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That’s because, “it is easy for cybercriminals to infiltrate an Android device using malicious apps,” antimalware company Malwarefox said in a blog.
And now a group of 38 Minecraft-like games on Google Play have been uncovered by cybersecurity experts at McAfee to be malware.
Minecraft is one of the most popular sandbox computer games, boasting over 140 million active players monthly.
However, the Android apps trying to emulate the game, instead attack devices with the adware “HiddenAds.”
HiddenAds, just like the name suggests, disseminates hidden advertisements in the background of your device.
According to InformationSecurityBuzz.com, about 35 million Android users around the world have Minecraft-like games that were hiding adware.
How does it work?
Basically, users download the apps, and then the adware begins silently in the background.
Users may not even notice the malicious software activity going on because the games work as intended.
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However, adware can cause many issues for your device such as more data usage, depleted battery power, and overheating of your device.
Below we have shared the most popular apps from the adware group, as found by McAfee.
Apps to erase
- Block Box Master Diamond, which has been downloaded 10 million times.
- Craft Sword Mini Fun, which has been downloaded 5 million times.
- Block Box Skyland Sword, which has been downloaded 5 million times.
- Craft Monster Crazy Sword, which has been downloaded 5 million times.
- Block Pro Forrest Diamond, which has been downloaded 1 million times.
- Block game Skyland Forrest, which has been downloaded 1 million times.
- Block Rainbow Sword Dragon, which has been downloaded a million times.
- Craft Rainbow Mini Builder, which has been downloaded 1 million times.
- Block Forest Tree Crazy, which has been downloaded 1 million times
For a full list of Android adware-laden apps, you check McAfee’s report here.
How to stay safe
There are a few steps you can take to mitigate your risk of falling victim to adware.
It’s important that you have downloaded and installed antivirus software onto your device.
Also imperative is that you constantly perform updates on your smartphone when they’re available.
Only downloading apps from known app stores is a good way to stay safe, as well.
