Goldoson Malware found in more than 60 Android apps with 100 million downloads

Android is generally considered a safe operating system in terms of malware. However, many times malware tries to target users through apps. Once they are identified, necessary steps are taken by Google. The mobile research team of antivirus maker McAfee Android-adware-found-in-popular-apps-in-south-korea/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Claim It has found more than 60 such apps which contain malware named Goldoson. This malware was found in apps downloaded from ONE store and Google Play. The special thing is that more than 60 apps in which malware is present have received more than 10 crore downloads.

what does goldson do

McAfee’s team has described Goldson as a third-party malicious library. This malware can obtain people’s sensitive information. For example- which apps have the users installed? What devices are connected to their WiFi and Bluetooth. Goldson can also obtain GPS information.

This is how Goldson dodges

Goldoson malware registers itself on the user’s device. The remote can then access the configuration as soon as the app is run. The remote server domain keeps changing to trick users. It also commits advertising related fraud with users. For example, this malware clicks on advertisements in the background without the consent of the users.

How safe are Indian users?

The question arises that how much is it a matter of concern for Indian users that malware has been found in more than 60 apps and they have been downloaded more than 100 million times? If reports are to be believed, Indian users need not worry. The apps in which malware has been found are related to South Korea, which means there is a ‘threat’ to the data of the users of that country.

What action did Google take?

McAfee’s team has said that it had informed Google about such apps which contain malware. Taking immediate action, Google has removed some apps from the Play Store. Developers have been informed. Many developers have updated their apps. If you ever get information about such apps, which may contain malware and are in your phone, then immediately remove such apps from your device.