15-10-19, 14:57
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Malicious Software on Android Phones >DELETE 15 Apps NOW
Android Users Should Delete These 15 Google Play Store Apps Right Now
Tech company Sophos has warned users of Android phones to delete a series of apps that contain malicious software
Users of Android phones are being told to delete 15 apps or risk a major data breach.
Daily Mirror UK, 15 OCT 2019
The fifteen programmes are available through the Google Play Store and contain malicious software, security experts at Sophos have said.
Some of the apps work by hiding themselves from phone users, avoiding detection by disguising as system tools, Birmingham Mail reported .
Most act as an irritant, frequently blocking the phone screen with large and intrusive ads.
While all 15 have been removed from Google's download centre, they are still installed on more than 1.3 million devices.
Millions of phones could have the apps installed
The malicious apps can strike when you least expect it
The Apps are:
• Flash On Calls & Messages
• Read QR Code
• Imagine Magic
• Generate Elves
• Savexpense
• QR Artifact
• Find Your Phone : Whistle
• Scavenger - - - speed guard
• Auto Cut Out Pro
• Background Cut Out
• Photo Background
• ImageProcessing
• Background Cut Out New
• Auto Cut Out
One of the apps, Flash On Calls & Messages - also known as Free Calls & Messages - displays fake error messages when launched.
It then redirects you to Google Maps on the Play Store, leading users to believe that is responsible for the programme crash.
The apps can cause phones to crash
It is difficult to find as it hides its own icon.
A spokesperson for Sophos advised Android phone owners how to get rid of the apps.
“If you suspect that an app you recently installed is hiding its icon in the app tray, tap Settings (the gear menu) and then Apps & Notifications," principal researcher Andrew Brandt told TechRadar.
"The most recently opened apps appear in a list at the top of this page.
The apps can be hard to find and delete (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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