Android users warned over ‘sneaky Xamalicious’ malware hiding in apps that infects your phone and takes ‘full control’

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ANDROID users have been warned about malware that can be hiding in plain sight on their devices.

Cybersecurity experts from McAfee found that a new strain of malware has been targeting Android devices.

Android users have been warned about malware that can be hiding in plain sightCredit: Getty

The sneaky new malware is dubbed “Xamalicious” and has been found lurking in several popular apps.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Xamalicious uses an open-source framework called Xamarin to hide on your device.

This allows the malware to covertly access your Android’s operating system’s permissions.

In basic terms, the malware is capable of gathering metadata from your Android that can be used to steal your funds.

Other actions the malware can take include clicking on ads and installing malicious apps, security researcher Fernando Ruiz said.

McAfee said it found the malware on 25 identified apps so far – some of which were distributed on the official Google Play Store.

The apps are estimated to have been installed at least 327,000 times.

Most of the infections have been reported in Brazil, Argentina, the US, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and some parts of Europe.

Below is a list of some of the compromised apps that McAfee has found the malware in:

For starters, it’s important to always keep your device updated with the latest software.

You should also avoid installing apps from unofficial system stores, and even then, do your research.

Furthermore, you should never download anything from strange pop-up windows or suspicious-looking websites.

It’s also important to install an antivirus on your device so it can scan for any malware.

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