Similarly to adware apps reported by Avast in June and in September, the adware is part of the HiddenAds family, displaying intrusive ads and luring users into downloading the adware by posing as gaming apps.

"The users need to be vigilant when downloading applications to their phones and are advised to check the applications' profile, reviews and to be mindful of extensive device permission requests,'' Jakub Vavra, a threat analyst at Avast, said in a statement.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

The apps have been downloaded about eight million times so far based on SensorTower, a mobile apps marketing intelligence and insights company, estimates.

Numerous user reviews on the Google Play Store mentioned that the apps grabbed their attention through advertisements on YouTube, promising a different game than what the app ultimately offered.

Following the download, advertisements started flooding their phones.

Some of the games are: Shoot Them, Crush Car, Rolling Scroll, Helicopter Attack - NEW, Assassin Legend - 2020 NEW, Helicopter Shoot, Rugby Pass, Flying Skateboard and Iron, according to Avast.

Keep scrolling to read more news

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever