Children-targeting apps showed pornographic ads

It is awful enough that pornographic content is so easily accessible (even without intention) thru computer devices. Some damaged individuals had decided to spice up some harmlessly-looking Android applications, but in a very, very disturbing way. Researchers from CheckPoint determined that quite a few apps, designed mostly for the audience of children, included a malicious software called AdultSwine.

Google Play store featured apps, infected with AdulSwine malware

Even the title AdultSwine can signal a problem. Researchers reported that the malware displayed deceptive and inappropriate advertisements on infected Android phones. Once installed into a mobile device, AdultSwine would bring many scareware advertisements that tried to trick users into signing up for premium services. In some cases, people were registered without their consent. However, while this is fairly regular when it comes to ad-based malware, it is disturbing that hackers would select children’s apps as their bait.

From the conducted research, some of the malicious apps included such programs like “GMcQueen Car Racing Game” and “Paw Puppy Run Subway Surf”. When downloading such apps, we doubt that anybody would expect to receive pornographic content. It might be that hackers attempted to spread their malicious applications by disguising them as allegedly sweet and innocent.

This strategy definitely proved itself to be successful. According to calculation, all of the malicious Android programs were downloaded from 3 to 7 million times. Of course, once CheckPoint pointed out the glaring issue with these apps, Google did not hesitate to kick them out of their store. After all, no children needs nor should have pornographic content on their phones.

CheckPoint went into detail to explain the main features that the AdulSwine malware included. First of all, it profited from the fake premium services: many people were assigned to them without giving consent. Secondly, creators of this adware received some great bucks from online advertisements, including the offensive pornographic material. Thirdly, creators of these apps definitely got some money from the strategy of requiring fees for downloaded applications.

Google has stressed out that none of the malicious apps were child-proofed. As you might have heard, Google has begun a “Designed for Families” campaign. Apps that are approved are thoroughly pre-checked before becoming available in the Google Play Store. Long story short, AdultSwine malware definitely received some profits from its malicious strategies, but the party is over.

However, if your child has a smartphone and likes downloading apps, make sure to regularly check them. While the child might be unsatisfied that he/she cannot download a wanted app, but you will probably be saving him/her from having some disturbing experiences during gameplay.

Source: xda-developers.com.