It looks like we can’t go a week without a bunch of rogue apps being discovered in the Google Play Store.

Google recently removed 52 apps capable of intercepting passwords, stealing Facebook credentials and taking screenshots of private conversations. Tap or click here to make sure you don’t have one installed on your phone.

There’s yet another wave of bad apps to watch out for, and they’ve already been downloaded almost 10 million times. We’ve got the full list and tips for staying safe below.

Here is the backstory

Despite its resources, Google cannot track all bad apps downloaded from its official Play Store. Fortunately, cybersecurity experts are still looking to warn Big Tech.

Doctor Web team found 28 malicious apps in Google Play Store including photo editing tools, custom wallpapers and keyboard themes among others. Eight other malicious apps posed as camera, photo and chat apps.

Doctor Web notified Google of the threats, but some persist in the Play Store.

Are any of these apps on your phone?

Here are the top 28 malicious applications provided by Doctor Web. These apps deliver intrusive advertisements, steal information, break into social media accounts, download malware, intercept messages, and more.

Check and double-check if any of these are installed on your device:

  1. Photo editor: beauty filter — gb.artfilter.tenvarnist
  2. Photo editor: retouch and crop — de.nineergysh.quickarttwo
  3. Photo editor: artistic filters — gb.painnt.moonlightingnine
  4. Photo Editor – Design Maker — gb.twentynine.redaktoridea
  5. Photo editor and background eraser — by.photoground.twentysixshot
  6. Photo and Exif editor — de.xnano.photoexifeditornine
  7. Photo Editor – Filter Effects — from.hitopgop.sixtyeightgx
  8. Photo filters and effects — from.sixtyonecollice.cameraroll
  9. Photo editor: blurry image — from.instgang.fiftyggfife
  10. Photo editor: Cut, Paste — de.fiftyninecamera.rollredactor
  11. Emoji Keyboard: Stickers and GIFs — gb.crazykey.sevenboard
  12. Neon Theme Keyboard — com.neonthemekeyboard.app
  13. Neon Theme – Android Keyboard — com.androidneonkeyboard.app
  14. Crate cleaner — com.cachecleanereasytool.app
  15. Fancy Loading — com.fancyanimatedbattery.app
  16. FastCleaner: crate cleaner — com.fastcleanercashecleaner.app
  17. Caller Skins – Caller Themes — com.rockskinthemes.app
  18. funny caller — com.funnycallercustomtheme.app
  19. CallMe Phone Themes — com.callercallwallpaper.app
  20. InCall: contact history — com.mycallcustomcallscrean.app
  21. MyCall – Call personalization — com.mycallcallcustomization.app
  22. Caller theme — com.caller.theme.slow
  23. Caller theme — com.callertheme.firstref
  24. Funny Wallpapers – Live Screen — com.funnywallpapaerslive.app
  25. Automatic 4K wallpaper changer — from.andromo.ssfiftylivesixcc
  26. NewScrean: 4D Wallpapers — com.newsscreen4dwallpapers.app
  27. Wallpapers and Backgrounds — de.stockeighty.onewallpapers
  28. Notes – reminders and lists — com.notesreminderslists.app

Here are some other bad apps to watch out for

The second group of malicious apps completes the list of 36. These apps contain Joker malware, a type of fleeceware that lures you with free trials before automatically upgrading to a subscription.

Once you’re roped in, unsubscribing is a pain. Joker can also intercept passwords, install other apps on your device, bypass two-factor authentication during in-app purchases, and take screenshots of your messages.

Check your phone for these apps:

  1. Poco Launcher
  2. 4K Pro Camera
  3. Heart Emoji Stickers
  4. YouToon – AI Cartoon Effect
  5. Pista – Cartoon Photo Effect
  6. Water Reminder – Track & Reminder
  7. Yoga – For beginners to advanced
  8. Chatting on the Internet

Tap or click here to find and remove four more Android apps spreading Joker malware.

Now is the time to delete!

Whether or not Google removed all these apps from the Play Store, you still need to remove them from your phone. Here’s how:

  • Open the Google Play Store application.
  • At the top right, tap the Profile icon.
  • Faucet Manage apps and devices > Manage.
  • Tap the name of the app you want to remove.
  • Faucet Uninstall.

How to stay safe now and in the future

Removing the offending apps is the first step. Now you need to make sure you don’t fall victim to malware. Here are some cybersecurity tips:

  • Activate Google Play Protect by going to Google Play Store > Profile > Play Protect > Settings and turn on Scan apps with Play Protect.
  • Check for security updates on your phone by going to Settings > System > System update.
  • Open a web browser on your phone and perform a Google Security Control at myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. Follow the steps to give your device more robust security settings.
  • Only download apps from official app stores. Always go to the official source and check that you are installing the correct app.
  • Beware of apps that use a similar logo to other popular apps or have similar functions. Also check reviews to see if other people are warning you about suspicious activity.
  • Pay attention to permissions. Stay away if an app wants full access to your text messages or notifications.
  • Have reliable antivirus software on all your devices. We recommend our sponsor, TotalAV. Right now, get an annual plan of TotalAV Internet Security for just $19 at ProtectWithKim.com. That’s over 85% off the regular price!

keep reading

Malware is still a huge problem for Android – Here’s what to watch out for

Check your phone! 8 Dangerous Malicious Apps Spotted