Google has removed 12 applications from its Play store. Not only that, but the company advised millions of users to delete them right away. Google has banned 12 Android apps for tricking users into watching endless advertisements or attempting to steal sensitive data through phishing attacks.
Some were fitness applications, while others were games. The problems were discovered by Dr. Web’s cyber security team. Some of the affected apps had been downloaded over five million times by users worldwide.
Google Play Store Banned 12 Android Apps
The first two apps that were removed from Google promised users rewards for remaining active. The more users walked and exercised each day, the more points they earned toward free prizes. When most people tried to cash out, they were either denied or forced to watch endless advertisements for nothing in return.
The other apps that were removed from Google’s servers were discovered to be using phishing tactics to steal personal information. Phishing occurs when attackers attempt to dupe users into clicking a malicious link that downloads malware.
Apps removed from the Play store
- Golden Hunt – 100K downloads
- Reflector 100K – downloads
- Seven Golden Wolf blackjack – 100K downloads
- Unlimited Score – 50K downloads
- Big Decisions – 50K downloads
- Jewel Sea – 10K downloads
- Lux Fruits Game – 10K downloads
- Lucky Clover – 10K downloads
- King Blitz – 5K downloads
