With new headlines every now and then on internet fraud, security and hacking, it is important to be very security conscious while using the internet.

Just last month, Google removed over 50+ apps from Play store & now again in just few days ago, Google bans 25 apps for allegedly stealing Facebook login details. Once any of these apps are installed the hidden code embedded within the app then sets about stealing personal data via some nasty tactics. With the malicious code automatically activated it then lies in wait until the Android phone user launches Facebook.

Upon launching Facebook, these apps have the ability to mimic the popular social media site and overlay a web browser window on top of the official Facebook app. This well-produced fake login page is almost impossible to spot and users are easily tricked into entering their user names and password which is sent to hackers to use at a later date.

If you use an Android smartphone, going forward you might want to consider which apps you install on your phone. Many of these phishing apps pose as step counters, image editors, video editors, wallpaper apps, flashlight applications, file managers, and mobile games.

The shocking malware was discovered by French cyber-security firm Evina who has confirmed that the apps were able to infiltrate devices by offering genuine functionality. With over 2 million downloads combined, these 25 apps have been removed from Google Play store earlier this month after Google verified the French security firm's findings.

Take note that some of the apps had been available on the Play Store for more than a year before they were removed. See the full list of these apps here - https://blog.webkraftng.com/just-in-google-bans-25-apps-for-allegedly-stealing-facebook-login-details-see-full-list/ and if you have any of them, make sure to uninstall them immediately.

Although when Google removes malicious apps from the Google Store, the company also disables the apps on a user's devices and notifies users via the Play Protect service included with the official Play Store app but personally, I would encourage you check your device and also delete them manually from your devices.

Please share with anyone you think might be among the 2-million users that have downloaded any of the apps. This is 2020, lets all stay safe and careful.

cc: Lalasticlala, seun, mynd44