Google takes down 60 gaming apps after malicious software reported
13 Jan 2018
Google said yesterday that it took down 60 gaming applications after security firm Check Point reported having uncovered new malicious software in the apps available to both children and adults at Google Play Store.
Check Point added that the malicious software displayed pornographic ads and tried to trick users into buying premium services.
''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.
The software called ''AdultSwine'', hides within game apps that, according to Google Play data, has been downloaded 3 to 7 million times, according to Check Point's blog post yesterday.
The apps did not form part of the family collection, which is based on a program to help parents discover age-appropriate content on the Play Store.
Check Point clarified that the inappropriate ads within the apps were not Google ads.
The malware further sought to trick users into installing fake security apps. It could also open the door for other attacks such as theft of user credentials, Check Point said.
