Android users told to delete 36 apps after they are banned by Google
The apps, since removed by Google, were gaining hackers access to user's location and Wi-Fi history
Android users have been warned to check their phones after a virus has infected up to 60 well-known software applications.
Google has notified users of the popular apps which may have been infected and has since banned them.
The attack was on numerous popular apps, with the malicious software able to do things on the users phones without their consent, security experts have stated, as reported by The Daily Record.
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Employees at McAfee Mobile Security stated that once an app that has been contaminated is put onto a phone, it can get into your Wi-Fi history, see the Bluetooth devices connected to the device and even identify the apps being as well as nearby GPS locations.
This gives cyber criminals access to your location, they added.
They said that Android users could allow hackers to make money without their knowledge as the bug could enable them to perform ad fraud.
This process is where criminals click on rogue advertisement in the background to bank cash, causing your phone to slow down or possibly overload.
It is believed by security experts that the apps may have been downloaded millions of times.
"The research team has found more than 60 applications containing this third-party malicious library, with more than 100 million downloads," McAfee confirmed.
Google has already gotten wind of the issues and has been told by developers to remove the apps from their store.
Many developers have acted quickly. However, 36 apps have now been blocked and removed after being found to contain the software used by hackers.
"We reported the discovered apps to Google, which took prompt action," said McAfees' SangRyol Ryu.
Ryu added: "Google has reportedly notified the developers that their apps are in violation of Google Play policies and fixes are needed to reach compliance. Some apps were removed from Google Play while others were updated by the official developers."
The hack has mainly affected users located in South Korea. However, all Android users are being asked to remain on their guard.
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