Recently, ‘Judy’ a malware infected millions of devices (Android base) all across the globe. This malware was found in over 41 play store applications of Google, infecting around 36.5 million android devices.
Judy created a lot of hassle for the Android users as it was able to leap Google’s own security system, spreading around fast.This malware was discovered by a security research firm called Checkpoint who figured out dangerous bugs in the applications available on Google play store.
According to Checkpoint, “The malware uses infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent click on an advertisement, generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it.”
Dozens of applications of Google got infected by Judy and as a result, the users faced errors while using those applications. It is presumed that the developer behind this sneaky malware is a Korean company.
Checkpoint stated in its recent blog post, “The malware, dubbed “Judy”, is an auto-clicking adware which was found on 41 apps developed by a Korean company. The malware uses infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it.”
Google, from time to time, keep on removing the bug, even the infected applications in play store are also being removed. Applications developed by Korean publishers have been also taken down and Google has also discovered malware in other applications which are published by some other publishers of the play store.
“We also found several apps containing the malware, which was developed by other developers on Google Play. The connection between the two campaigns remains unclear, and it is possible that one borrowed code from the other, knowingly or unknowingly,” stated in the report.
An extensive list of infected applications has been launched by the security firm and for avoiding any data loss, users should be careful while downloading any application from the play store.
For instance, if they have installed any infected application then it is necessary that the users should backup all their data and format their device.
According to the security firms, the malware is still not confirmed as Checkpoint has not entirely covered the extensive list of infected applications. However, the hacker behind Judy must be very witty as the malware was designed in such a way that it could easily pass the Google Play Store protection.
Judy is a threat for android users these days because its kill switch hasn’t been found yet. If left untreated, it can infect more Android devices.
Google has faced such malware before and was always successful in tackling with them. Now the matter of fact is that whether Google would able to clear this malware ‘Judy’ from the applications of Google Play Store before it keeps spreading, or not.