Google Android Play Store Apps Got Attacked by Porno Malware
International cybersecurity company Check Point Research found the particular malicious code last week. Daniel Padon, a mobile safety researcher with the company, told All the Moms about what it truly is and advised what actions to take.
The particular malware attacks the app user in three different methods, all of which profit the hacker, Padon said.
How the malware attacks
FIRST: INAPPROPRIATE ADS
The hacker’s first attack the shows ads that pop up while the child is playing the game on the phone. Any of these ads could contain potentially mature or even pornographic content.
2ND: NEW APP DOWNLOADS
The adware and spyware also lure users (many of whom are children) into downloading “phone security apps” by falsely saying the phone in use has a virus and must be protected. The actual hacker then makes money off the downloads.
3RD: FRAUDULENT SIGNUPS FOR PREMIUM CHARGES
What makes this attack especially pestilent is how it takes advantage of children specifically. “As users, you’re not aware they’re trying to register you for high-quality services, ” Padon said.
What does that mean?
Think of all those old-school computer pop-ups that say, “Congratulations, you just received a free iPhone! ” That’s what Adult Swine really does. To retrieve the prize, it asks for the user’s phone number. With that info, the hacker can then register the consumer for costly services. Of course, there aren’t any solutions. The hacker just pockets the money.
The hacker’s first attack the shows ads that pop up while the child is playing the game on the phone. Any of these ads could contain potentially mature or even pornographic content.
2ND: NEW APP DOWNLOADS
The adware and spyware also lure users (many of whom are children) into downloading “phone security apps” by falsely saying the phone in use has a virus and must be protected. The actual hacker then makes money off the downloads.
3RD: FRAUDULENT SIGNUPS FOR PREMIUM CHARGES
What makes this attack especially pestilent is how it takes advantage of children specifically. “As users, you’re not aware they’re trying to register you for high-quality services, ” Padon said.
What does that mean?
Think of all those old-school computer pop-ups that say, “Congratulations, you just received a free iPhone! ” That’s what Adult Swine really does. To retrieve the prize, it asks for the user’s phone number. With that info, the hacker can then register the consumer for costly services. Of course, there aren’t any solutions. The hacker just pockets the money.
In case your kid HAS downloaded one of the games (check the game listing here), delete it.
Then check the phone for not familiar apps. Though not witnessed in this particular case, Padon said malware often downloads additional corrupt apps. Look at your phone just in case.
Next, ask your child if he or she entered private information to retrieve “prizes. ” Contact your phone service provider in order to alert them of potentially fraudulent purchases. Rest assured though, Padon said in large cases like these, phone companies are usually aware and handle it smoothly.
Last thing: Find an actual anti-virus security product for your phone, Padon recommended. Many people wouldn’t use a completely unprotected computer, he said. So just why do that with your phone?
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