Google takes down gaming apps found with pornographic malware

Over 60 games in the Google Play Store, many seemingly targeted towards children, have been found to contain malware that has pornographic ads. Researchers from security firm Check Point discovered the malware called AdultSwine and have found them in apps that have already been downloaded over three million times. Some of the titles include Mcqueen Car Racing Game, Subway Banana Run Surf, and Paw Puppy Run Subway Surf. According to Check Point, Google took action hours after they were informed of the issue.

According to Check Point researcher Daniel Padon, an individual or group of hackers created these malware-infested games under fake publisher names to distribute the malware and make money off it. The apps show “highly pornographic” pop-up ads when you download them and redirect users to a web page where the user is being prompted to install fake security apps. They also try to useless premium services to the users.

Google says these apps aren’t part of the company’s “Designed for Families” program, which is being vetted manually to make sure apps designed for children meet their standards. Apps designed for children under 13 are required to participate in this program. The company also says the ads aren’t from their ad network.

Android users are being encouraged to download app from known developers as well as get apps from Google’s family program. Make sure to check out app reviews as well. But as CNN points out, sometimes malware authors create fake reviews as well to make these apps look legitimate. If it seems to good to be true, be extra wary.