Google issues warning over 'infected' Android apps with millions of downloads: Delete them now

Cyber security experts at Dr Web identified a huge threat to millions of Android users. The apps on their devices can be infected with malicious spyware that can steal people’s personal data.

With over 100 affected apps downloaded a whopping 400 million times, the cyber attack looks like the biggest one of this kind ever.

The malware was named SpinOK. Once it finds its way to a device through an infected app, it can spy andtake possession of your information and send it straight to the cyber criminals’ servers.

Google urges its users to check if the apps have been recently updated to eliminate the spyware threat and if not - to remove them from their devices.

The biggest cyber-attack of its kind

Google had to block and remove a number of hugely popular Android apps from its Play Store after cyber security experts found that they could contain a dangerous virus.

According to specialists from Dr Web, this could be one of the most serious threats ever seen as it involves over 100 apps that have been downloaded over 400 million times.

The malware - named SpinOK - can spy on users and steal their personal data. Once it invades your device, it can then send your sensitive information directly to cyber thieves.

The affected apps have been banned from Google’s Play Store until they fix their security vulnerabilities. Those who made vital updates are already available to download.

The company urges people to check if their versions of these apps were updated and if not they ask users to uninstall them immediately as their device could have been compromised.

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Here is what apps are affected

The apps that may contain the SpinOK virus include video editor Noizz and file transfer Zapya, both downloaded over 100 million times.

Video editors Fly, MVBit and Biugo, all requested over 50 million times, are also compromised.

Watch out for the hugely popular Crazy Drop, a reward-earning Cashzine and offline-reading app Fizzo Novel, all downloaded more than 10 million times.

Rewards app CashEM and watch-to-earn app Tick can also be dangerous.

You can see the full list of potentially infected apps here.

To delete them from your phone, open the Google's Play Store, tap the profile icon at the top right, choose Manage Apps and Devices, pick the name of the app and click Uninstall.

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Sources used:

- Mirror: 'Google bans hugely popular Android apps - full list you must now delete exposed'