Google has deleted 60 apps from the Google Play store after a malware issue saw children being exposed to pornography while using the apps.
Check Point says this malware issue named AdultSwine, can cause problems in three different ways; Displaying ads from the web that are often highly inappropriate and pornographic; Attempting to trick users into installing fake ‘security apps’ and; Inducing users to register to premium services at the user’s expense.
These apps have been downloaded between 3 million and 7 million times according to Google Play data.
A spokesperson told Gizmodo, “We’ve removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers’ accounts, and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them. We appreciate Check Point’s work to help keep users safe.”
These apps were not included in Google’s Family Link program which recognises family and children family apps.
Check Point has listed the affected apps on its site.
