Apple removes malicious programs after first major attack on app store

Several apps infected by malware dubbed XcodeGhost in first case of large numbers of malicious software making their way past Apple's defences

Apple has had to remove more than 300 malware-infected apps from its app store after a tainted version of its developer tools led to a number of Chinese apps leaking users' personal information to hackers.

The company confirmed on Sunday night that it was removing the apps after several cybersecurity firms reported finding a malicious program dubbed "XcodeGhost" that was embedded in hundreds of legitimate apps.