Researchers from ESET, a computer company, have detected the presence of malware in the code of 42 applications available on the Google Play Store, reports the specialized site Welivesecurity , which also reveals their name. Called Android / AdDisplay. Ashas, this malware has been rife for over a year and the applications have been downloaded by 8 million users.
When ESET discovered the malware, around 20 of them had already been removed from the application store. The others were immediately alerted after Google was alerted. "These apps are still available in third-party app stores," said the report, however. It is therefore advisable to install an antivirus on your Android device, to limit the risk of intrusion.
The software was able to hide
Once present on the smartphone via one of the 42 applications, the malware inadvertently displayed intrusive advertisements on the screen of the device. "The risk that the user will associate unwanted ads with a particular application will decrease," said Lukas Stefanko, author of the article on W elivesecurity and IT security expert at ESET.
In order not to be spotted by Google, the malware was also able to spot when the application was going to be analyzed by the services of the American giant. Thus, when an IP address which arrived from a server of the Mountain View firm was spotted, the malware did not send advertising on the screen.
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