Google has removed more than 500 malicious applications from its Play Store after the US cyber security firm Lookout on the spyware threats that these applications pose in the operating system.
Applications uncovered by the security company were found containing a secret backdoor that allowed developers to install a variety of spyware on time. According to Lookout, the applications used a software development kit called again to siphon the user’s personal data into the device, without warning. The software allows these applications to connect to the ad network and serve ads targeted to the specific interests of end users. If in case a malicious version of the software was installed, the development kit could be upgraded to launch spyware threats.
Malicious spy apps included mobile games for teens, weather applications, Internet radio, photo editors and travel were affected by the software.
In a statement to Ars Technica Google said: “We have taken action on these applications on Play, and automatically secured the previously downloaded versions of them as well. We appreciate contributions from the research community that help keep Android safe.”
