Google has removed 36 malicious Android apps from its Play Store that have received over 100 million downloads. These apps can perform a few functions without the permission of the smartphone owner. McAfee, a cybersecurity company, first discovered these harmful apps and reported them to Google.
What the Apps Do
McAfee’s research team discovered the Goldoson software library that can collect information such as the list of installed applications on a phone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device data, and nearby GPS locations. Additionally, the library can engage in ad fraud by clicking on ads in the background without the user’s permission. McAfee identified more than 60 Android apps that use this third-party malicious library, which has been downloaded more than 100 million times from the ONE store and Google Play app.
What Happened to the Apps
Google removed the harmful apps from the Play Store and informed developers that their applications are violating Google Play policies and required modification to bring them into compliance. Some applications were removed from the Play Store, while others were updated by the developers. The updated apps are now considered secure for users.
What Users Need to Do
Even though many of the banned apps are not showing up in the Play Store, Android phone owners should still update or uninstall them to be safe. Before downloading any app from the Play Store or any other third-party service, users should take precautions by checking the developer’s name, the number of downloads, the comments section, the number of known apps the developer has created, and the app’s preview section. To avoid any threats, individuals are encouraged to check any application properly before installing it on their smartphone.
List of Apps
The list of harmful apps includes Swipe Brick Breaker 2, InfinitySolitaire, Snake Ball Lover, UBhind: Bounce Brick Breaker, Infinite Slice, Compass 9, and Mobile Tracker Manager. Money Manager Expense & Budget, GOM Player, and Korea Subway Info were developed by the following individuals and have been updated by Money Manager, Metroid, and others. The complete app list can be found on McAfee’s report.
