When we browse the games in Google Play Store, we don’t think there is a risk involved. However, Avast, one of the leading companies that create antivirus programs, has detected 21 applications that hide adware that can cause severe problems for users who install them on smartphones with the android operating system. However, the disappointing fact of the matter is that 19 of them are still there, despite the warning from Avast to Google.
The specific applications were already detected during the summer months by Avast experts. Still, for a strange reason, they managed to go unnoticed by a Google security check before and while they were registered in the Play Store. Thankfully when you play online casino in NetBet, you don’t have problems like that because they have the latest safety protocols. Another equally interesting fact is that because many YouTubers played these games on their videos, it clearly increased their popularity and thus gained a massive reputation among the public. Avast immediately published the list of dangerous applications because they were infected and contained hidden ads. We present you the list:
- Shoot Them
- Crush Car
- Rolling Scroll
- Helicopter Attack – NEW
- Assassin Legend – 2020 NEW
- Helicopter Shoot
- Rugby Pass
- Flying Skateboard
- Iron it
- Shooting Run
- Plant Monster
- Find Hidden
- Find 5 Differences – 2020 NEW
- Rotate Shape
- Jump Jump
- Find the Differences – Puzzle Game
- Sway Man
- Desert Against
- Money Destroyer
- Cream Trip – NEW
- Props Rescue
Our advice is clearly to uninstall these applications from your smartphone immediately, even if, at first glance, they may not cause problems. Hidden ads applications are part of the family of Trojan viruses that are often found on computers. They are hidden in safe and often funny applications such as games, as in this case. The “infection” process is simple; when the user downloads and installs the application, it starts displaying intrusive ads that often undermine the entire smartphone.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that these types of viruses are hidden in famous applications, it is sometimes difficult to understand if we are facing a dangerous threat. The best advice is to check the reviews of the application before downloading it because, in the case of many negative comments, it could give you signs that something is wrong, and you should avoid it.
What can the virus do to my smartphone?
These kinds of viruses may seem harmless, but they can cause you a lot of trouble. They aren’t all extremely damaging, but the threat is real. We have some examples of what a virus can do on your phone, tablet, or another Android device:
- Unwanted Ads that produce money for the developer.
- Find your contact information.
- Extract details from your contact list.
- Find your GPS coordinates.
- Steal your messages.
- Steal your passwords and log in wherever they can remotely.
- Mine cryptocurrency on your device and send the funds back to the developer.
- Send you SMS to trick you into paying for services you didn’t sign up for.
- Redirect browser pages to fake login screens and ad sites.
- Open your device up for more attacks in the future.
How can we protect our smartphones?
There are some ways that you can protect yourself from viruses:
1. Before you decide to install any app, check all the permissions in any app request; for example, they ask for permission to your pictures. If something strikes you a little bit off and asks for data that they don’t need, then it might be a red flag.
2. Always read the privacy policy and the terms and conditions.
3. The user reviews are always helpful. If there are many negative reviews, it’s probably better to reconsider whether you should download it or not.
4. Use an antivirus app on your mobile so your mobile will be secure.
In conclusion, treat your Android as you would treat your PC. Be careful about what you download, even if it seems harmless, and use antivirus. Then all of your personal data will be safe, and you won’t be facing any danger.