Malicious Android Games for Kids Found on Google Play Store
Researchers from Check Point have discovered two families of malicious Android apps that successfully bypassed Google Play Store’s security measures. The latest batch of malware was found on the official app marketplace, with 66 apps identified and installed over one million times.
These apps used code-hiding techniques to sneak malicious software into the Play Store. Of the 66 apps, 26 were targeted at children, including racing games, puzzles, and other entertainment content. The remaining apps disguised themselves as translators, calculators, and e-book readers.
How the Malicious Apps Worked
According to Check Point, Google has already removed some of the dangerous apps after being notified by the researchers. Interestingly, some apps were taken down by the operators themselves, likely after realizing they had been discovered.
Once installed on an Android device, these malicious programs performed click fraud operations, generating revenue for the operators. All the malware used the Android “MotionEvent” function to simulate user clicks on advertisements, making it appear as if real users were interacting with the ads.
List of Identified Malicious Android Apps
Check Point experts have published a list of the identified malicious Android applications. If you have recently installed new apps, especially games or utilities for children, it is recommended to check the list and remove any suspicious software from your device.
Source
- Check Point Research
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