A group of 38 Google Play Minecraft knockoff apps infected devices with the Android adware “HiddenAds” to secretly load adverts, making money for the games’ creators.
Minecraft is a successful sandbox game with over 140 million active players monthly. About 35 million Android users around the world, mostly from the US, Canada, South Korea and Brazil downloaded Minecraft-like games that were hiding adware.
Minecraft adware is malicious software that disguises itself as a Minecraft-related program or mod, and displays unwanted advertisements or redirects users to potentially harmful websites. This type of adware is often spread through unofficial Minecraft mod websites, torrents, or download links from untrusted sources.
If you believe that your computer or device has been infected with Minecraft adware, you should take immediate action to remove it. Here are some steps that you can follow:
- Uninstall any suspicious Minecraft mods or programs from your computer or device through the Control Panel or by using an anti-malware software.
- Run a full scan of your computer using a reputable anti-malware software to detect and remove any remaining adware.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove any traces of the adware.
- Ensure that you are downloading Minecraft mods and programs from reputable sources, such as the official Minecraft website or well-known mod repositories.
- Install an ad blocker extension for your web browser to prevent unwanted ads from appearing.
By following these steps, you can help protect your computer or device from Minecraft adware and other types of malicious software.
It is essential to prioritise cybersecurity while playing games and using apps on your devices. Cybersecurity when using devices is crucial to protect personal information, prevent financial loss, protect reputation, safeguard devices, and comply with regulatory requirements. If you would like assistance or advice in regards to your workplace cybersecurity, please contact us.
Author: Lisa Seltzer, Agilient Consultant