New Android privacy dangers: Remove these harmful apps from your phone now

Android users and malware have become an irresistible duo over the years for all the wrong reasons. And recent concerns are related to several apps available on Google’s Play Store that can steal personal data or record phone calls.

Google continues to talk about the need to prevent malicious apps from entering the Play Store, but repeated incidents of new threats are raising questions about Google’s overall efforts.

The latest details cited in this report, brought by ESET researchers, talk about a new malware called VajraSpy that was discovered in 12 malicious apps, and of great concern to Google. Six of these apps have been around for more than two years. Although the company appears to have removed these six apps, they are still available from other app stores, so you should still be careful and avoid sideloading them on your Android phone.

6 Android apps using VajraSpy found on Google Play Store

– Private talk

– Let’s chat

– Quick chat

– Chat

– Rafa Cut

– Meet Me

Google has made a habit of taking action when security researchers notify/report these apps. However, the company is supposed to make sure to build a Play Protect mechanism to prevent incidents like this from happening in the first place. It is becoming increasingly clear that users will have to work on their own to avoid using such apps that can steal data or record calls. This means that all your details will be exposed to hackers.

So how can you avoid installing malicious apps? Most importantly, always install apps from legitimate app stores, only sideload apps from well-known publishers, and finally: Keep your device updated to the latest version to protect it from potential threats.