More than 35,000 smartphones in Việt Nam have been affected by the GhostTeam virus, according to the BKAV Technology Group.
The virus takes advantage of popular Vietnamese applications in Google Play to spread and steal Facebook passwords.
Hackers provide applications like flashlights and calendars, which, after installing, automatically download the virus.
The applications sound a security warning and offers suggestions on what to do, tricking users to click on a harmful link.
BKAV experts warn that smart phone users should scan their phones and change their Facebook password immediately if they discover the virus.
Vũ Ngọc Sơn, BKAV Technology Group’s deputy chairman in charge of anti-malware, said: “It is very hard for users to be vigilant against viruses infiltrating through Google Play. In this case, users should use anti-virus software to get automatic protection.”
Google Play has already deleted harmful Vietnamese applications, but smart phones in which they are already installed face a very high possibility of infection.