MORE than a million Android users are warned to be on the alert after a popular camera app was banned from the Google Play store for containing harmful malware.
Here’s what you need to know and why you’re urged to delete it now.
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Google has just removed the hugely popular PIP Pic Camera Photo Editor, but not before it was dowloaded more than a million times.
Until earlier this week the image-editing software was still available to download and install, but Google just blocked access after it was alerted to the security flaw.
The application was found to contain malware that was capable of stealing Facebook credentials, including user names and passwords.
That could allow hackers to access accounts, steal personal data and send scam messages to contacts.
Experts advise immediately deleting the app from all your devices if you currently have it installed.
You’re also warned to change your Facebook password without delay.
This threat was discovered by the team at Dr. Web, but it’s not the only app that’s raised a red flag at the Russian IT-security solutions vendor.
According to the security firm’s latest report, there are four other apps that all contain malware that’s able to display unwanted advertisements and kill battery life.
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They are even said to be able to make unauthorized changes to the phone itself.
Additionally, information technology platform, SecNews, goes further, saying adware infections can cause the constant appearance of unwanted ads, the deterioration of the user experience and device overheating.
The other apps named are Wild & Exotic Animal Wallpaper, ZodiHoroscope, PIP Camera 2022 and Magnifier Flashlight.
According to cyber-security platform HackRead, collectively the affected apps boast over two million downloads.
Some of these apps have been removed by Google with both ZodiHoroscope and PIP Camera 2022 no longer available to download.
As with all apps, before you begin to download anything onto your device, experts advise it’s worth checking who has developed the software.
It’s also a good idea to read as many tech reviews as you can before installing the app on any of your devices.
