The BBC have reported this week about users unknowingly downloading pornographic malware through some children’s apps available on the Google Play store. The “AdultSwine” malware displays explicit pornographic adverts that pop up in apps. Infected apps include add-ons for the hugely popular pocket edition of Minecraft as well as apps themed around familiar Disney characters.
The malware also promotes fake security programs and tries to get people to sign up to expensive services.
Google said it had now removed all the compromised apps from the Play store.
The CheckPoint researchers uncovered the infected apps as well as the code that sends offensive adverts and other offers to victims.
Reviews of infected apps on Google’s store warned about the presence of the pop-up adverts.
In a statement, Google said the compromised apps had been removed from the Play store and it had shut down the accounts of the developers that had created them. It added that it would “continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them”.
To read the full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42691027
Gooseberry Advice: To help avoid any nasty surprises, always read the reviews of apps, games and websites before downloading them. Get to know your way around the app or play the game yourself first to check that you are happy for your child or other family members to view or play it.
