Google has removed 60 games from its Google Play Store after researchers discovered that the apps contained malware which displayed X-rated pornographic pop-up ads. The most disturbing part is that most of the infected apps were games intended for kids.
The games had already been downloaded between 3 to 7 million times before Google removed them.
Google has removed 60 apps with malware releasing x-rated pornographic ads to users.
According to a report by an Israeli IT firm Check Point, the malicious code and malware named ‘AdultSwine’ caused “highly inappropriate and pornographic” ads to appear on one’s phone.. The firm reported its findings to Google prompting a response.
“We’ve removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers’ accounts, and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them,” said the a Google spokesperson.
Google says the AdultSwine malware displayed x-rated, pornograhic pop-up ads.
In addition to the X-rated pornographic ads, the AdultSwine malware also uses deceptive pop-up ads to trick users by saying their device is infected with a virus. If they click, they will be taken to a Play Store to download a bogus security and anti-virus app that is even more harmful than the ad itself.
The malware also tricked users and tried to charge for premium services.
According to Check Point, “The most shocking element of this malware is its ability to cause pornographic ads (from the attacker’s library) to pop up without warning on the screen over the legitimate game app being displayed.” explained Check Point.
Google removed 60 apps containing malware which released phonographic malware.
“Apart from these current three main activities, the malicious code can use its infrastructure to broaden its goals to other purposes, such as credential theft,” they added.
Google apps containing the malware included “Paw Puppy Run Subway Surf,” “Shin Hero Boy Adventure Game,” “Drawing Lessons Lego Ninjago,” and “Addon Sponge Bob for MCPE,” reported said Reuters.
“Due to the pervasive use of mobile apps, ‘AdultSwine’ and other similar malware will likely be continually repeated and imitated by hackers. Users should be extra vigilant when installing apps, particularly those intended for use by children.”
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