16 Google Play Store apps caught hiding adware

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Apps hiding malware are becoming a common problem. Malicious apps like these have been around in third-party app stores for a while. But official app stores are supposed to protect us from bad actors getting to our devices.

Sadly, that’s not always the case. Cybercriminals can bypass security processes to get their malicious programs into official app stores. Tap or click here for a recent list of bad apps that you should delete ASAP.

A new threat was recently discovered that you need to know about. Malware dubbed Clicker was caught hiding in 16 apps that secretly click ads after installation. Keep reading for the list of bad apps and ways to protect your devices.

What is Clicker?

Cybercriminals the world over pride themselves on the different ways they’re able to squirm their malicious programs into your tech. Researchers at McAfee Labs recently discovered 16 apps hiding Clicker malware.

They all have one thing in common. They masquerade as useful utility apps, including a language translator, dictionary, and other tools like flashlights and task managers.

The reality is these apps are hiding adware. Once installed, the malware starts visiting sites in the background to click on ads, turning a profit for the cybercriminals while slowing down your system. It can even serve annoying pop-up ads on your device.

The apps were all on the Google Play Store and have been downloaded over 20 million times. Thankfully Google removed the apps in question once reported by McAfee. But that doesn’t mean you don’t already have one or more on your device.

Here’s the complete list:

  1. High-Speed Camera (10,000,000+ downloads)
  2. Smart Task Manager (5,000,000+ downloads)
  3. Flashlight+ (kr.caramel.flash_plus) (1,000,000+ downloads)
  4. 달력메모장 (1,000,000+ downloads)
  5. K-Dictionary (1,000,000+ downloads)
  6. BusanBus (1,000,000+ downloads)
  7. Flashlight+ (500,000+ downloads)
  8. Quick Note (500,000+ downloads)
  9. Currency Converter (500,000+ downloads)
  10. Joycode (100,000+ downloads)
  11. ExDica (100,000+ downloads)
  12. Instagram Profile Downloader (100,000+ downloads)
  13. Ez Notes (100,000+ downloads)
  14. 손전등 (1,000+ downloads)
  15. 계산기 (100+ downloads)
  16. Flashlight+ (com.dev.imagevault) (100+ downloads)

NOTE: There are two flashlight…

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