Malware malfunction
Google has removed 21 apps from its Android Market after a tip off that they might be dodgy.
According to Mashable, the search giant removed the apps which it found were malware designed to gain root access to handsets and gather users' data.
Google apparently removed the apps immediately after Android Police bloggers tipped it off, but unfortunately they have already been downloaded by around half a million people.
The apps were apparently pretty sneaky as they posed as versions of popular ‘real' applications. In fact they are reportedly pirated versions of popular games and services that once downloaded root the user's handset then use an Android file (APK) to steal data including the user ID.
Apparently the apps then secretly download plenty more malicious code.
Mashable has listed the 21 offending apps and suggested people who have downloaded the apps take their handsets to their carrier and try and swap them for a new one...although some of the downloads might be embarrassing to explain.
Here is the list.
- Falling Down
- Super Guitar Solo
- Super History Eraser
- Photo Editor
- Super Ringtone Maker
- Super Sex Positions
- Hot Sexy Videos
- Chess
- 下坠滚球_Falldown
- Hilton Sex Sound
- Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls
- Falling Ball Dodge
- Scientific Calculator
- Dice Roller
- 躲避弹球
- Advanced Currency Converter
- APP Uninstaller
- 几何战机_PewPew
- Funny Paint
- Spider Man
- 蜘蛛侠
