If you downloaded apps from Google's Play Store over the past 12 months you might want to give your phone a thorough check and spring clean. Security experts from the team at Zscaler say that dangerous and malicious apps continue to find their way onto this official platform with millions of Android users thought to have downloaded them over the past 12 months.

According to Zscaler, more than 200 malware-packed applications have been found on the Play Store with them getting installed over eight million times by unsuspecting phone owners. It's a worrying stat that shows no signs of slowing.

In fact, mobile remains a top threat vector, with a 111 percent growth in spyware and a 29 percent growth in banking malware.

Anatsa, for example, is a well-known Android banking bug that uses PDF and QR code readers to distribute malware. It has targeted more than 650 financial institutions since it was created by cyber crooks.

"Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting legacy exposed assets which often act as a beachhead to IoT & OT environments, resulting in data breaches and ransomware attacks," said Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer at Zscaler.

"Mobile malware and AI driven vishing attacks adds to that list making it critical for CISOs and CIOs to prioritize an AI powered zero trust solution to shut down attack vectors of all kinds safeguarding against these attacks."

Google is working hard to stop harmful applications appearing on its Play Store but with so much software available it's inevitable that some bad apps will slip through the net.

Many are removed as soon as they are found to be hiding malware but this new alert is a reminder to always be careful before installing any new apps on your phone.

Before tapping the download button, check the reviews and make sure the developer has a good reputation.

If you notice your phone suddenly slows after an app is installed or you start getting bombarded by adverts it could be a good idea to check the application and consider deleting it.

Another useful tip is to make sure Google Play Protect is enabled on your device as this Google service is aimed at keeping your apps safe and your data private

Google Play Protect checks your apps and devices for harmful behaviour and it can even deactivate or remove harmful apps from your device

To check you have this update enabled simply open the Google Play Store app. At the top right, tap the profile icon then tap Play Protect and then Settings Settings.

Turn Scan apps with Play Protect on or off.