Anyone with an Android phone in their pocket might be wise to check and see if any recently downloaded apps are causing performance issues and slowing things down. It has been confirmed by the experts at Check Point that a large-scale Android adware campaign has been targeting users worldwide, and becoming a victim could prove highly irritating. Although this latest bug doesn’t steal personal data or bank details, it can silently drain resources and disrupt normal phone use. This is due to persistent background activity caused by the adware.

All of the apps found to be infected with the bug – dubbed “GhostAd” – have been masquerading as harmless utility and emoji-editing tools.

“Behind their cheerful icons, these apps created a persistent background advertising engine – one that kept running even after users closed or rebooted their devices, quietly consuming battery and mobile data,” Check Point explained.

It’s thought that at its peak, the campaign was using at least 15 infected applications to attack unsuspecting Android users. What makes things more worrying is that some were available via Google’s official Play Store. That’s why so many people have ended up downloading them. It’s thought that one even reached the number two position in Google Play’s “Top Free Tools” category.

Those unfortunate enough to have installed them have since complained of problems such as persistent pop-up ads, vanishing app icons when attempting to uninstall, and devices becoming slower or less responsive.

It’s now been confirmed that Google has removed all the infected apps after being alerted to the issue by Check Point.

However, if the app has already been installed, it won’t be deleted automatically, which is why now is a good time to check your apps and remove anything that’s been affecting the performance of your device.

“The GhostAd campaign blurs the line between marketing and malware,” Check Point explained.

“It shows how everyday advertising tools, when combined with persistence and obfuscation, can quietly undermine user trust in mobile ecosystems.

“Millions of Android users unknowingly became part of a hidden ad network, their phones repurposed to generate revenue at their expense.

“As mobile threats evolve, so do the creative abuses of legitimate SDKs. GhostAd is a reminder that not every threat hides in the shadows – some sit openly in the app store, disguised as harmless fun.”

Before installing any apps, always check the reviews, make sure the devloper has a good reputation and be careful what permissions you grant it.