From Samsung to Huawei, Android smartphones are some of the popular handheld devices on the market.
But if you have an Android smartphone, you may want to reconsider which apps you have on your device.
Researchers from Bitdefender have warned consumers about 17 dangerous apps that can bombard you with adverts, even when they’re not open. Scroll down for the full list of apps.
In a blog about the findings, Bitdefender researchers explained: ”Bitdefender researchers recently found 17 Google Play apps that, once installed, start hiding their presence on the user’s device and constantly display aggressive ads.
“While not malicious per se, the tactics they use to smuggle themselves into Google Play and dodge Google’s vetting system are traditionally associated with malware.”
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The apps were found to use various tactics to make it onto the Google Play store.
This includes waiting 48 hours before hiding their presence on the smartphone, and holding off displaying ads until four hours after app installation.
Worryingly, the researchers found that the ads have already been downloaded over 550,000 times.
They added: “With over 550,000 downloads in total, the apps found have flown below the radar of Google’s vetting system mostly because they also delivered on their promise: they do what they say they do.”
Having discovered the apps, Bitdefneder reported them to Google, and thankfully it seems that the apps are being taken offline.
However, if you have any of the apps on your Android smartphone, we suggest deleting them immediately.
1. Car Racing 2019
2. 4K Wallpaper (Background 4K Full HD)
3. Backgrounds 4K HD
4. QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner Pro
5. File Manager Pro – Manager SD Card/Explorer
6. VMOWO City: Speed Racing 3D
7. Barcode Scanner
8. Screen Stream Mirroring
9. QR Code – Scan & Read a Barcode
10. Period Tracker – Cycle Ovulation Women's
11. QR & Barcode Scan Reader
12. Wallpapers 4K, Backgrounds HD
13. Transfer Data Smart
14. Explorer File Manager
15. Today Weather Radar
16. Mobnet.io: Big Fish Frenzy
17. Clock LED
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