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More than 800 Android apps in the Google Play Store were infected with malware that quietly stole personal and financial data from users. Xavier, a form of Trojan adware, hid inside several types of apps - call recorder, photo manipulator, ringtone changers and more.According to intelligence security firm Trend Micro on Tuesday, the malicious software has been downloaded millions of times across the globe."Xavier...has the capability to download and execute other malicious codes, which might be an even more dangerous aspect of the malware," the Tokyo-based company said. "Xavier’s stealing and leaking capabilities are difficult to detect because of a self-protect mechanism that allows it to escape both static and dynamic analysis."Xavier was downloaded in Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, the U.S. and Europe. The apps have been removed from the Google Play Store. A full list of infected applications can be found here. Here's how to remove malware from Android-based devices. Xavier can collect and leak user data, run malicious code and install APKs (Android application packages) - all while avoiding detection.Applications infected with malware are becoming problematic for Android app developers and consumers. As of last spring, an estimated 1.3 to 1.4 billion people owned Android phones, which are easier to infiltrate than iOS-based devices. The Google-developed operating system is "more open and adaptable."Android smartphone owners should avoid downloading and installing apps from unknown sources, even if they're featured in the Google Play Store. Reading user reviews is also helpful - apps that show suspicious behavior will often have low ratings.Additionally, keep mobile devices updated and install security apps to protect against unwanted infections. For a list of Android-based security applications, click here.