Android is Google’s operating system that is harnessed by billions of devices across the globe.
Almost 150 million of those were recently claimed to have downloaded software that contained adware.
Adware is software that could allow applications to display adverts outside of the programme itself.
This means other parts of the user’s device could similarly show promotions.
A recent report from Check Point, a cyber threat intelligence firm, claimed it found adware in 206 applications on the Google Play Store.
Essentially, it was stated the malware in question was presented in the form of an advertising SDK that could be harnessed by developers.
However, once the SKD was taken advantage of, it would be capable of performing actions outside of the particular programme it was present in, such as display ads on other areas of the user’s device.
Moreover, Check Point also said the malware, dubbed SimBad, was capable of executing tasks after a device has finished booting and “while the user is using his device respectively”.
It was noted after the malware had been installed, it would remove the icon of the app it originated from in order to make it more difficult for a user to remove.
Plus, it was stated the programme was capable of opening a user’s browser with “a given URL”.
Some of the apps said to be affected by the malware were: Hoverboard Racing, Real Tractor Farming Simulator, Snow Heavy Excavator Simulator and Prado Parking Adventure.
Check Point stated it “swiftly notified” Google about the software and that the tech giant soon removed the programmes listed from the Play Store.
Google frequently emphasises security as one of the most important aspects of Android.
In particular, the firm recently discussed its “Play Protect” service it said scans over 50 billion apps every single day for “harmful behaviour”.
However, it appears the recent emergence of Play Store malware has highlighted one of the biggest problems with Android; the fact harmful applications keep emerging.
In fact, back in January Android fans were put on alert about VPN apps that were said to contain viruses or malware.
And more recently users have been warned about questionable permissions some programmes are asking for once they have been installed.
Additionally, Express.co.uk recently sat down with McAfee fellow and chief scientist Raj Samani who was eager to declare apps downloaded from the Play Store still carry a risk of being malicious.
He said: “If you’re downloading an app from an authorised app store, it does not mean there is no chance the app is malicious.
“In fact Google is a great case in point, over the course of 2018 there has been a lot, I mean an awful lot of apps, a good couple hundred apps that we found as well that have malicious capabilities.”
Google’s app review policy is known for being less strict than that of Apple for its App Store.
This appears to have resulted in numerous instances on the Play Store, such as those mentioned above, where software has been removed to protect users.