Android owners and anyone with one of these popular devices in their pockets would be wise to check their installed software and settings without delay. This new alert is due to five popular apps being banned by Google after they were found to be infected with the vicious Mandrake bug.

This threat, which was first discovered back in 2020, allows cyber crooks to watch what users are doing on their devices, take screen recordings and even simulate screen taps remotely.

This worrying functionality of Mandrake could give hackers the opportunity to install dodgy apps without the phone owner ever knowing anything is wrong.

READ MORE: I loved Nokia Lumia 920 - now HMD Skyline smartphone pays homage but running Android 14

READ MORE: I tested Microsoft Surface Laptop for one month - it's the best Windows computer I've ever used

It's clearly concerning with things made worse by the number of people infected. It's thought that over 30,000 Android users had downloaded the apps before they were removed.

The security team at Kaspersky says the new wave of attacks may have started in 2022 but have only just been spotted due to hackers improving the way Mandrake now hides itself within infected apps. That makes it much harder to spot and block infected software, reports the Express.

It's thought that this is a global problem with users in the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain thought to be affected. Even though Google has banned the applications from its Play Store, you could be in danger if you have already downloaded them so be aware.

Here are the 5 apps you need to delete now.

• AirFS
• Astro Explorer
• Amber
• CryptoPulsing
• Brain Matrix

Google has acknowledged the risk to Bleeping Computer but reassured that users remain secure if they keep Play Protect enabled.

"Google Play Protect is continuously improving with each app identified. We're always enhancing its capabilities, including upcoming live threat detection to help combat obfuscation and anti-evasion techniques," Google confirmed.

"Android users are automatically protected against known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect, which is on by default on Android devices with Google Play Services. Google Play Protect can warn users or block apps known to exhibit malicious behavior, even when those apps come from sources outside of Play."

To manage Play Protect settings, here's what Google suggests:

• Open the Google Play Store app
• At the top right, click the profile icon
• Go to Play Protect Settings
• Switch Scan apps with Play Protect on or off to your preference

Related

MY FIRST TIME DOING THIS! - DIY SOLO Irish cottage restoration.

Irish Far-Right Group Joins Belfast Loyalists in Violent Anti-Muslim Protest

Kellie Harrington - how you can can fight against Olympic boxing superstar

Prince Harry would be 'awkward' presence if he returns to UK for sad event, says expert

National Cyber Emergency will be called when there are 'threats to life'

Google bans 5 popular Android apps for millions - these are the ones to check right now

Inside life of Olympic boxer Imane Khelif ahead of semi-final fight - tough youth to 'hardest blow'

Dynamo Kiev v Rangers VAR officials 'arrested' for stealing road sign while drunk and stripped of match duties

Wife of helicopter pilot who died in horror Westmeath crash tells funeral: 'He fulfilled his dreams'

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee tells of relief after being given all clear for breast cancer

Dublin steakhouse where Jason Hennessy Snr was fatally shot on Christmas Eve shuts for good

Body of woman (80s) found in Nenagh, Co Tipperary