Google has banned 24 apps and has removed the same from its Play Store over concerns that these harmful apps carry hidden codes and malware that might be lurking inside. This malware targets users' Facebook credentials and personal information.
French cyber-security firm Evina made the discovery that the apps could infiltrate devices by offering genuine functionality, which is forwarded to Google in May leading to the ban.
When an Android user installs the app, a hidden code inside it is automatically activated and begins to steal personal data.
When the user launches Facebook, an overlay web browser window pops up over the Facebook app, bringing Facebook login page.
Users would then put in their Facebook login details and the malware would copy them and send them to its designated server.
Below is a list of the malicious apps removed by Google:
Super Wallpapers Flashlight
Padenatef
Wallpaper Level
Contour Level wallpaper
iPlayer & wallpaper
Video Maker
Color Wallpapers
Pedometer
Powerful Flashlight
Super Bright Flashlight
Super Flashlight
Solitaire Game
Accurate scanning of QR code
Classic card game
Junk file cleaning
Synthetic Z
File Manager
Composite Z
Screenshot Capture
Daily Horoscope Wallpapers
Wuxia Reader
Plus Weather
Anime Live Wallpaper
Health Step Counter
Google has since removed the apps from Play Store and they are no longer available for download.
However, those who already have the apps on their phones would have to delete them manually.
Users could also change their Facebook passwords after deleting the apps to make it more secure.