Android adware hidden inside 8 apps downloaded up to 2.6 million times
Eight apps - a form of adware aimed at Android devices - were removed from the Google Play Store, but up to 2.6 million users could still be infected.
were discovered by Mountain View, California-based software company Symantec earlier this month, and cybersecurity experts say 600,000 to 2.6 million people may have downloaded the applications.
"The legitimate purpose of the apps is to modify the look of the characters in Minecraft: Pocket Edition," Symantec . "In the background, sophisticated and well-disguised attacking functionality is enabled. We set up network analysis of this malware in action and observed activity apparently aimed at generating illegitimate ad revenue."
Sockbot can also carry out or create fraudulent traffic to falsify ad revenue.
Malware targeting Android-based smartphones continues to be problematic for app developers and consumers. As of March 2016, an actively used Android-based devices across the globe, and 352 million people purchased them during the last .
As the popularity of the operating system rises, to steal personal or financial data, falsify revenue and spy on users.
Google has removed the apps from its marketplace, but some devices may still be affected by Sockbot.
Learn how to eliminate malware from your Android .
Tips to avoid downloading malware:
Keep software updated.
Only install apps from trusted sources.
Don't download apps from third-party sites you're not familiar with.
Download a mobile security app.
Backup important files and photos on a regular basis.