On Friday, 60 Gaming Apps with porn malware was taken down by Google as per its statement. This comes after security firm Check Point said it had discovered new malicious software in the apps displaying pornographic ads and tried to trick users into buying premium services. These apps were available to both children and adults at Google Play Store.
Malware details
Dubbed “AdultSwine”, the malware hides inside game apps that Google Play data says have been downloaded 3 to 7 million times, Check Point said in blog post on Friday.
Though the apps weren’t part of the family collection , which is based on a program to help parents discover age-appropriate content on the Play Store, the inappropriate ads were not google’s.
Another issue identified by the Check Point was that , the malware sought to trick users into installing fake security apps, and could open the door for other attacks such as theft of user credentials, Check Point.
With these details, the malware has been taken down by Google.”We’ve removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers’ accounts, and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them,” a Google spokesperson said.
Some of the games affected by this malware includes “Paw Puppy Run Subway Surf”, “Shin Hero Boy Adventure Game,” “Drawing Lessons Lego Ninjago,” and “Addon Sponge Bob for MCPE”. So as advisory , Check Point warns users to be extra vigilant when installing apps, especially those intended for use by children.
