Google Play store the ocean filled with android apps has been hit with a latest malware called BadNews which is present in 32 apps. LookOut a security firm is the one who identified and reported to Google for removal of these malicious software apps. But before its removal the applications has been already downloaded between 2,000,000 – 9,000,000 times. Currently Google has removed these apps from the store and suspended the developer accounts associated with them. The android users in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia and Kazakhstan are affected from this malware.
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Once activated the software starts sending the critical information like the phone number, imei number etc to the server periodically (spyware). And then the server responds with a notification to the user to update the app in the name of skype or Russian social network Vkontakte. The url for this update will actually lead to the download of AlphaSMS fraud app which is famous for stealing the cash from the user by sending premium rate text messages.
For the list of affected apps, its impact and other details refer the LookOut’s Blog.