MILLIONS of Android users have been urged to check their phones now for more than 60 dangerous apps.
Some of the apps in question have been downloaded more than 100million times according to McAfee.
Some of the affected apps on the list
The app makers themselves unknowingly added third-party library components to their software which are riddled with malware.
As such, some have been updated while others have been removed entirely from the Google Play Store.
The so-called “Goldoson” malware is capable of collecting lists of apps installed on your phone, as well as history of WiFi and Bluetooth devices information, including nearby GPS locations.
“The library is armed with the functionality to perform ad fraud by clicking advertisements in the background without the user’s consent,” McAfee said.
Although affected apps may have been removed from the Google Play Store, it doesn’t protect you if you already have them installed on your device.
You’ll need to delete them yourself.
The apps are largely aimed at people who live in South Korea so anyone in the UK or US should be safe – but it’s still worth checking them.
The full list of affected apps that have been updated are:
L.POINT with L.PAYMoney Manager Expense & BudgetTMAPLotte CinemaGenie MusicCultureland version 2GOM PlayerMegaboxLIVE Score Real-Time scoreGOM AudioTV – All About VideoGunindayLOTTE WORLD MagicpassNorae bangKorea Subway Info: MetroidHappy Mobile Happy ScreenGirl singer WorldCupCultureland PlusLotteworld Seoul SkyMoney Manager (Remove Ads)ECloudSCinemaTicket OfficeLotteworld AquariumLotteworld Water ParkT map for KT, LGU+Random numberGOM Audio Plus – Music, Sync lCinecube
The list of apps removed from the Google Play Store should be deleted.
They are:
Swipe Brick BreakerMegaboxPikicastCompass 9: Smart CompassItem maniaBounce Brick BreakerInfiniteSlice Infinite SliceSomNote – Beautiful note appGoodTVBibleUBhind: Mobile Tracker ManagerMafu Driving FreeFSP MobileAudio RecorderCatmeraSimple AirSnake Ball LoverPlay GetoMemory MemoPB StreamInssaticon – Cute EmoticonsT map for KT, LGU+AOG LoaderSwipe Brick Breaker 2Safe HomeChuncheonFantaholic TNTBestcare HealthInfinitySolitaireNew SafeCashnoteTDI NewsEyestingTingSearchKrieshachu FantasticYeonhagoogokka
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