Security researchers have shared a warning about five Android apps which contain spyware from a state-backed North Korean hacking group.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

Google is taking the stress out of sideloading apps on Android phones with a new feature rolling out to Google Play Store.

KoSpy masqueraded as utility apps, according to Lookout Mobile Security, which links the activity to a cyber-espionage campaign out of North Korea.

You always need to be careful about the apps you install on Android, even if you download them directly from Google Play. Researchers have found at least 5 different apps, which have passed Google Play’s security vetting, are actually malware spying for the North Korean government.

Google has made good on its warning that the Play Store would be removing the ability to share apps with other users.

One of the malicious apps masqueraded as a file manager and had more than 10 downloads, according to the cybersecurity firm Lookout. The app contained Android spyware called KoSpy, which Lookout attributes to the North Korean hacking group APT37.

Multiple apps on the Google Play Store that targeted English and Korean-language speakers were actually collecting sensitive data to send to North Korea.

A group of hackers with links to the North Korean regime uploaded Android spyware onto the Google Play app store and were able to trick some people into downloading it, according to cybersecurity firm Lookout.