Android users need to check their phones without delay and make sure they remove popular apps.
Anyone with an Android phone in their pocket would be wise to do some serious spring cleaning and check they haven’t downloaded any dangerous apps. It seems millions have been duped by a swathe of worrying applications which were laced with the vicious “Vapor” bug. To make things worse, many were posted on Google’s official Play Store which made them even more easy to find and load onto devices.
The new warning has been issued by cyber security experts who say this Vapour malware is fully capable of attacking devices, showing unwanted adverts and even trying to steal credit card data.
The terrifying threat was first originally discovered by the team at IAS Threat Lab last year. SInce it first appeared it’s thought to have infected over 60 million people across the globe.
“The IAS Threat Lab has uncovered an extensive and sophisticated ad fraud scheme, codenamed Vapor, that leverages fake Android apps to deploy endless, intrusive full-screen interstitial video ads,” IAS explained.
“Vapor exploits unsuspecting users and ad networks on a massive scale, representing a highly organized and pervasive ad fraud scheme.”
READ MORE: Apple’s iPhone 17 may get biggest new look in years and pictures could prove it
It’s not just IAS that has been keeping a close eye on this attack. Experts at top security firm Bitdefender have also noticed the “Vapor” bug taking over devices. Bitdefender says it has spotted a total of 331 worrying apps including QR Scanners, fitness services, diaries and battery optimisers.
“The apps display out-of-context ads and even try to persuade victims to give away credentials and credit card information in phishing attacks,” Bitdefender warned.
Google has now blocked all of the software discovered on its platform after being alerted about the issues. That’s good news but those who have downloaded any of the apps in question still need to be on red alert as the Google ban won’t delete the apps from devices.
A full list can be found here, but Bitdefender and IAS have also revealed some of the worst offenders that have been installed the most. If you think you may have installed one of these apps, delete them now.
AquaTracker – Downloaded 1 million times
ClickSave Downloader – Downloaded 1 million times
Scan Hawk – Downloaded 1 million times
Water Time Tracker – Downloaded 1 million times
Be More – Downloaded 1 million times
BeatWatch – Downloaded 500,000 times
TranslateScan – Downloaded 100,000 times
Handset Locator – Downloaded 50,000 times
READ MORE: UK’s ‘worst’ broadband confirmed – is your provider top or bottom of the list?
How to stay safe from Vapour and other bugs
Whenever installing new applications, it’s a good idea to take your time, read the reviews and make sure the developer is reputable.
If you have any concerns, DON’T tap the download button. Although Google is now blocking more dodgy applications from getting onto its Play Store, some are clearly still slipping through the net.
That’s why it’s vital to keep an eye on your device and take care of it whenever you install anything new.