Android users should delete these 17 apps immediately to avoid being spammed

By Claire Schofield
Published 3rd Feb 2020, 16:12 BST
Updated 4th Feb 2020, 09:02 BST
Do you have any of these apps installed? (Photo: Shutterstock)Do you have any of these apps installed? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Do you have any of these apps installed? (Photo: Shutterstock)

Android users have been warned to delete 17 apps from their phone as soon as possible, or they could be at risk of being hacked.

If not removed, the Google Play Store apps can spam your phone with unwanted adverts, even when the software is not in use.

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Intrusive adware

The 17 apps are all filled with adware, meaning they are capable of hiding themselves on your smartphone before plaguing it with intrusive adverts.

More than 550,000 Android users have already downloaded the apps onto their devices, according to BitDefender.

The cybersecurity firm explained that the apps appeared to bypass the Google Play Store’s screening process by using a code that makes it “difficult for security researchers to grasp the logic of the app”, The Express reports.

If left on your device, the apps are said to be capable of displaying unwanted adverts across your phone - including over other apps. They are also capable of hiding themselves, making it difficult for users to find and remove them.

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The 17 apps have now been removed from the Google Play store, and Android users who have already downloaded them are being warned to delete them.

While the apps were not labelled as malware, BitDefender advised that users who had any of the programmes installed should install a capable security solution on their device after removing them.

The apps are all filled with adware meaning they can spam your phone with intrusive adverts (Photo: Shutterstock)

What are the apps?

This is the full list of apps that should be deleted from your phone:

Car Racing 2019

4K Wallpaper (Background 4K Full HD)

Backgrounds 4K HD

QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner Pro

File Manager Pro - Manager SD Card/Explorer

VMOWO City: Speed Racing 3D

Barcode Scanner

Screen Stream Mirroring

QR Code - Scan & Read a Barcode

Period Tracker - Cycle Ovulation Women’s

QR & Barcode Scan Reader

Wallpapers 4K, Backgrounds HD

Transfer Data Smart

Explorer File Manager

Today Weather Radar

Mobnet.io: Big Fish Frenzy

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