Google Takes Down 47 Malicious Apps from Play Store Following Avast Investigation
Key Takeaways
- Google removed 47 apps identified as part of the HiddenAds adware campaign
- These apps, often disguised as games, displayed intrusive ads and could hide their icons
- Over 15 million downloads globally, with notable usage in Brazil, India, and Nepal
- Experts advise checking developer profiles, user reviews, and requested permissions to avoid such threats
Google Removes 47 Adware Apps From Play Store After Avast Investigation
Following research by Avast, Google has taken action against 47 apps found to be part of a widespread HiddenAds campaign. These applications were designed to appear safe and useful but actually flooded devices with excessive advertisements, even displaying ads over other apps and hiding their own icons to remain undetected.
Most of these apps masqueraded as popular games by taking older versions of well-known titles and embedding ads. Users could only access limited functionality before the apps would conceal themselves, using built-in timers to hide their icons. Some of the most downloaded adware apps included Draw Color by Number, Skate Board - New, Find Hidden Differences, Shoot Master, and Spot Hidden Differences, with download figures ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 each.
The HiddenAds campaign reached over 15 million installations worldwide, with Brazil accounting for 21% of downloads, India at 8.1%, and additional significant usage in Turkey, Argentina, Mexico, and Nepal. To protect against such threats, users are advised to scrutinize app reviews, verify developer profiles, and carefully consider requested permissions before installing any new application, especially games from the Play Store.
