How to keep kids safe from AdultSwine malware

By Gizbot Bureau

| Published: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 13:38 [IST]

A new Android malware called 'Adultswine' has crept into more than 60 apps that display adult content (pornographic) ads and tricks the users into buying premium services. This malware hides inside game apps present in the Google Play and has been downloaded 3 to 7 million times.

How to keep kids safe from AdultSwine malware

However, as per Google, it took down the 60 apps from the Play Store and disabled the developers' accounts. Once the apps were installed on a device, it would display advertisements with highly inappropriate and pornographic contents.

Also, the malware tricks the users to install other apps by displaying advertisements in the victim's web browser that claims that the device is infected and to download an app to remove a virus. Since it's not safe to download unknown apps, we have compiled things to remember before you download an app from Play store.

Always look out for publishers

When it comes to Google Play Store, anyone in the name of the developer can create and upload an app, which could be fake at times. So in this case, it is good to check the publisher's name, which will be available right below the app title. When you scroll down, you can see details of the app including email address, version number and last updated on. If you didn't see any of these, be careful before downloading it, where it might be fake.

Ratings and user reviews

The reputation of the app can be seen either on ratings or user reviews. In this case, the rating of the app determines how good the app is. If you are confused about the ratings, you can always check the user reviews. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the app.

Spelling errors

Another way to watch out for the fake apps is the errors they make. In this case, you must carefully notice the spelling mistake. Instead of installing such apps which access your information after, it is better to avoid it.

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Google Play Protect

In your Android phone, make sure you always turn on the Google Protect. If not, go to Settings -> Google -> Security -> Turn on the toggle for Google Play Protect. It is a security service for Android by Google, which is always updating, and automatically takes action to keep your data and device safe.

Avoid sideloading apps

It is always risky to sideload apps on your smartphones. The apk files from the third-party might contain malicious code running in there, which could compromise security in your device. Always try to download apps from Google Play Store and not anywhere from third-party sites, unless it offers security.