About 60 apps have been dumped from the Google Play Store after it was revealed the apps were infected with malicious software that either displayed scareware or porn ads, or tried to trick people into accessing and paying for premium services.
The malicious apps were discovered and reported by Checkpoint Security. The malware, dubbed AdultSwine, is installed when users download and install a malicious app through the Play Store. Once installed, the app waits until the device is rebooted and then connects to a command-and-control server that pushes out either porn, scareware or directing the user to subscribe to premium services.
Once Google was informed, they pulled the apps from the Play Store.
Aside from the obvious issues of the apps themselves, this isn’t the first time malignant apps have found their way to the Play Store. While one of the best things about Android is that is is a far more open platform than iOS, surely Google has the resources to stop this from happening. I’m not saying it’s easy but perhaps there’s a case to be made for more rigourous checking of apps to ensure they only behave as prescribed.
What do you think? Does Google need to step up their game when it comes to monitoring and approving apps released through the Play Store?
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