"Unmasking Deceptive Adware: Popular Android Apps to Avoid"

Cybersecurity researchers have identified several Android apps on the Google Play Store that contain deceptive adware. These apps, disguised as innocent games, messaging platforms, and wallpaper tools, silently serve ads and sign users up for premium services. The apps, associated with malware types such as FakeApp, Joker, and HiddenAds, have been downloaded approximately two million times. While Google has removed the apps from the Play Store, users are advised to manually uninstall them and take additional precautions such as installing antivirus software, limiting the number of apps, checking ratings and reviews, and being cautious with app permissions.