Users of Android mobile phones have been hit with a nasty surprise this week, with the discovery of a new malware called
“Goldoson” infecting 16 apps on Google Play with a staggering 100 million downloads collectively.
This malicious piece of code is a serious threat to users, who are now urged to check their devices for any of the infected apps.
Keep reading to learn more about Goldoson and how to protect your device from this malicious malware.
1) What is Goldoson?
It is a new, sinister Android malware that has sneaked into the Google Play Store, and effected 60 legitimate apps. It was first discovered by security researchers from Check Point, who have nicknamed it Goldoson.
It has been found to spread through maliciously crafted versions of popular applications, which have then been uploaded to the Play Store.
Goldoson is believed to be capable of gaining complete control over devices and their data, as well as opening up backdoor access for hackers.
It is also capable of displaying unwanted advertisements and collecting sensitive user information. The malware has already been downloaded by more than 100 million users worldwide.
Despite being detected by various anti-malware programs, this particular strain appears to have evaded detection until now.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that these infected apps will be removed from the store anytime soon.
2) How did it get into Google Play?
The new sinister Android malware dubbed Goldoson has sneaked its way into the Google Play Store, infecting 60 legitimate apps with a staggering 100 million downloads collectively.
It is not yet known how the malicious code slipped past Google’s security protocols and made it onto the store.
The only thing known for certain is that the malicious code was added to the infected apps without their developers’ knowledge or consent.
Google has released a statement saying that it has removed all 60 apps from the Play Store and is continuing to investigate the incident.
It has also released a tool to help users identify and remove the malicious apps from their phones.
While it is unknown at this time how Goldoson got into Google Play, users should be extra cautious when downloading apps from third-party stores and always check for malicious code before installing them.
In addition, Google recommends updating all of your devices to the latest security patches available as soon as they are released.
Google has taken steps to protect against further spread of the virus by removing any malicious links associated with the infected apps from search results.
Furthermore, Google’s Verify Apps feature will warn users if an app is suspicious and will block it from being installed if found to contain any malicious code.
Finally, by following some basic safety tips such as keeping antivirus software up to date and only downloading trusted apps from verified sources can help protect your device from becoming infected.
3) What does it do?
The new sinister Android malware dubbed Goldoson has sneaked into the Google Play Store, infecting 60 legitimate apps with a staggering 100 million downloads collectively.
Goldoson is a complex form of malicious code designed to steal personal information from users’ phones, including contacts, text messages, phone numbers, photos, audio files, and other sensitive data.
It can also remotely control the device and send malicious messages or emails on behalf of the user. Furthermore, it can inject ads in web pages and block access to certain websites.
The threat is also capable of downloading additional modules in order to further extend its malicious functionality.
As of now, it is unclear how Goldoson managed to slip into the Google Play Store and how many users have been affected by the malware.
However, what is clear is that Goldoson is a significant security concern for any Android user who could potentially be targeted by this type of malicious software.
According to security experts, the best way for Android users to stay safe from this particular strain of malware is to regularly check their mobile devices for signs of infection.
In addition, they should delete any suspicious-looking apps that are installed on their devices and keep their operating systems updated to the latest version available.
Additionally, they should only download apps from official app stores such as Google Play in order to avoid any potential risks associated with unofficial third-party sources.
4) What are the affected apps?
The new sinister Android malware dubbed Goldoson has sneaked its way into the Google Play Store, infecting 60 legitimate apps with a staggering 100 million downloads collectively.
The malicious code was first discovered by security researchers at Check Point who have identified the affected apps and their associated package names.
Some of the more notable apps are Super Bright LED Flashlight, Photo Editor – Beauty Camera, and Voice Recorder Pro.
In addition to these apps, a list of all the affected apps include an audio recorder, a video cutter, various compass and flashlight apps, a map navigator, a task manager, several file managers,
a call recorder, a speed test, a battery monitor, and other miscellaneous tools.
It’s important to note that some of these apps have already been removed from the Google Play Store while others are still available for download.
Google is working quickly to investigate and remove any remaining malicious apps from the Google Play Store.
In the meantime, it is recommended that users check the app store to verify that they are not downloading any of the identified malicious applications.
Furthermore, users should be aware that Goldoson also might have infected other third-party app stores as well so they should be extra vigilant when downloading apps.
Users should also ensure that their devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches in order to protect themselves from possible malicious threats.
Finally, if your device has downloaded one of the listed infected applications, you should immediately uninstall them in order to protect your device from potential harm.
As the old saying goes “better safe than sorry” so make sure you take necessary precautions in order to stay protected.