29 Malicious Apps Have Been Deleted on Google Play Store

On September 26, Quick Heal Security Labs reported that up to 29 malicious applications have been detected on Google Play Store. The number of downloads of these apps has crossed over 10 million. After receiving the report, the search giant has rapidly removed them out of its Google Play store.

The set of these malicious apps is referred to as ‘multi-app multiple accounts simultaneously’. One app among those has been installed more than 5 million times on smart devices. Up to 24 of these apps belong to the ‘HiddAd’ category which shows a hidden icon when being launched for the first time. They also create a shortcut on devices’ home screen.

Quick Heal Security Labs revealed that these apps don’t allow users to drag the icon to uninstall them out of the system. The company said:

It further stated:

The ‘Adware’ applications pretend to provide functionalities that are beyond its real capabilities. In fact, they just send heavy advertisement to users’ devices, leading to the rapid drainage of their phone battery, as well as productivity loss.

The company explained that after being launched on devices, these malicious applications will access to the camera device and offer many options such as a gallery or flashlight control. However, when a user chooses an option, they will begin to run ads on full-screen mode and users can’t skip or close them.