Google Issues Warning to Delete Some Android Apps
Google has issued a stark warning to Android users: certain apps lurking on the Play Store are not what they seem. Masquerading as popular cryptocurrency wallets or financial tools, these programs are in fact designed to steal your personal data — and in some cases, your money. If you’ve downloaded one of them, the advice is crystal clear: delete it right away.
Hidden dangers in the Play Store
Cybersecurity researchers from Cyble have uncovered a wave of malicious applications posing as well-known crypto services. Among the fakes identified are apps posing as PancakeSwap, SushiSwap, Hyperliquid, Raydium, BullX Crypto, OpenOcean Exchange, Suiet Wallet, and Meteora Exchange.
At first glance, these apps look legitimate. They copy the icons, names, and even the interfaces of real services. But once installed, they wait for the critical moment — when you type in your private keys or recovery phrases. From there, hackers gain immediate access to your accounts. Even if you don’t dabble in crypto, the risk remains: these apps can harvest system information, abuse permissions, and even monitor your clipboard.
Google has urged users to uninstall these apps without delay, stressing that the threat extends far beyond cryptocurrency.
Why do fake apps slip through?
The troubling reality is that the Play Store’s automated checks aren’t foolproof. Malicious developers are now creating apps so convincing that they pass through Google’s filters. By mimicking trusted services, they lure users into entering sensitive information before redirecting them to phishing websites or installing additional malware.
According to Cyble, new variants of these fake apps appear almost weekly, making it increasingly difficult for platforms to weed them out in time
How to protect your Android device
To stay safe, Google and cybersecurity experts recommend a few simple but essential steps:
Change your credentials: if you’ve entered recovery phrases, passwords, or private keys, update them immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
Delete any suspicious apps immediately, especially if you’ve installed one of the names flagged (PancakeSwap, Hyperliquid, SushiSwap, etc.).
Enable Play Protect: go to the Play Store, tap your profile, and make sure “Scan apps with Play Protect” is switched on.
Check permissions carefully: avoid apps that request unnecessary access to your microphone, SMS, clipboard, or overlays.
Run a scan: Use Play Protect or a trusted mobile antivirus after deleting a suspicious app.
Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tools, and what looks like a harmless financial app can quickly turn into a gateway for identity theft, stolen cryptocurrency, or compromised accounts.
The best defence is vigilance: take a few minutes to review your installed apps, enable Play Protect, and tighten your account security. In a digital world where one careless tap can expose your data, following these precautions isn’t optional — it’s essential.