MALICIOUS software found in several apps available on Google Play Store

In recent days, digital security company McAfee has discovered the existence of malware, that is, malicious software, called Goldoson, in several applications available on the Google Play Store. The malware was acting on more than 60 applications through advertisements that collect confidential information from users.

According to the Play Store, the malicious software was not being detected by the app store’s security measures. Thus, when installing an app with Goldoson, the user’s device was registered and their information was received by the malware while the app was running.

What is malware capable of doing?

After installing the application containing Goldoson, the malware can access various data, such as the entire history of devices that have already been connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the GPS location and information from other applications that were already installed on the cell phone.

Fortunately, those who have smartphones running Android 11 or higher will be better protected against threats from this type of application. This is because the latest versions of the operating system have more rigorous data security.

Even so, the digital security company found that at least 10% of devices that installed programs with the malware had their personal data accessed.

Google Play takes action

After the discovery, McAfee filed a formal complaint against the programs that were available in the app store. According to the Play Store, a notification was sent to the developers of the programs, informing them that they were violating the store’s rules and needed corrections.

According to the digital security company, the most downloaded applications that had the malware were the following: Swipe Brick Breaker, GOM Player, L.Point with L.Pay, Money Manager Expense & Budget, Compass 9 and Live Score.

The response from some developers was that they were unaware that they were adding malware to their apps. Those who did not respond to Google in a timely manner had their apps removed from the store.