Google have moved quickly to remove 60 apps, many aimed at children, from the Google Play Store because they were infected with malware. Israel-based researchers, working for Check Point Software Technologies, discovered the malware and alerted Google of the apps that contained it. Google acted fast to get the apps out of the Play Store, saying:
“We have removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers’ accounts and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them. We appreciate Check Point’s work to help keep users safe.”
Unfortunately, according to Check Point the affected apps had been downloaded between three to seven million times.
The malware, dubbed AdultSwine by Check Point, would display pornographic advertisements on the infected handsets and encourage users to download fake security programs. Clicking links could force users to pay for false services. On top of trying to scare users, AdultSwine would also steal credentials and security data from the infected handsets.
According to Check Point, infected users who input details on the fake ads, including ads offering free iPhones, would end up being charged for services they didn’t ask for or receive. Finding ads for porn in kid’s games is bad enough, but if you add the intimidation tactics and the stealing of confidential info, this becomes a particularly malicious piece of malware.
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Via: Check Point, Economic Times, Digital Trends and The Verge
