Android users across the UK are being urged to check their devices after Google removed multiple applications from the Play Store found to contain sophisticated adware that significantly slows down phone performance.
What is GhostAd and how does it affect your phone?
Security researchers at Check Point have uncovered a widespread Android adware campaign, dubbed "GhostAd," that has been targeting users globally. While this particular malware doesn't steal personal information or banking credentials, it operates as a persistent background advertising engine that drains battery life, consumes mobile data, and causes phones to become sluggish or unresponsive.
The malicious applications disguised themselves as innocent utility and emoji-editing programmes, making them appear harmless to unsuspecting users. According to Check Point, "Behind their cheerful icons, these apps created a persistent background advertising engine - one that kept running even after users closed or rebooted their devices."
How the malware spread through official channels
What makes this situation particularly concerning is that several of these compromised applications were available through Google's official Play Store, lending them an air of legitimacy that helped them accumulate numerous downloads.
During the peak of the operation, the campaign employed at least 15 compromised applications to target Android users. One application even climbed to second place in Google Play's "Top Free Tools" rankings before being removed.
Users who downloaded these applications reported multiple issues including relentless pop-up advertisements, disappearing app icons during uninstallation attempts, and general device sluggishness.
What you need to do now
Google has confirmed that it has removed all the identified applications following alerts from Check Point. However, if you've already downloaded any of these apps, they won't be automatically removed from your device.
This makes it crucial for Android users to manually review their installed applications and delete anything suspicious that might be hampering their device's performance.
Check Point explained that "The GhostAd campaign blurs the line between marketing and malware. It shows how everyday advertising tools, when combined with persistence and obfuscation, can quietly undermine user trust in mobile ecosystems."
The security firm emphasised that millions of Android users unknowingly became part of a hidden ad network, with their phones being repurposed to generate revenue at their expense.
As mobile threats continue to evolve, experts recommend that users always examine app reviews before downloading, ensure developers maintain solid reputations, and exercise caution regarding the permissions they authorise for any application.
