Post by Epitimia on Sept 24, 2017 8:30:24 GMT
What Is Judy Malware, How It Infects Android Phones
A new malware has just hit the Android phones globally. It is called Judy and millions of smartphone users have become victim. It has spread from Google’s play store. Let’s find out details about Judy malware even if you are not yet infected from the virus.
What is Judy malware
Check Point blog post writes lately the July malware was discovered by them recently on Google Play. It is an auto-clicking adware and was housed on 41 apps which were developed by a Korean company.
The company further adds that Judy malware had been hiding in app code for past more than one year and the linked apps have been downloaded between 4.5 million and 18.5 million times. It is yet to get figure about how many devices are affected by it.
What is Judy malware
Check Point blog post writes lately the July malware was discovered by them recently on Google Play. It is an auto-clicking adware and was housed on 41 apps which were developed by a Korean company.
The company further adds that Judy malware had been hiding in app code for past more than one year and the linked apps have been downloaded between 4.5 million and 18.5 million times. It is yet to get figure about how many devices are affected by it.
Judy malware infects and what happens
As Judy malware is an adware, it tries to make money by creating fake ad clicks after infecting an Android smartphone. After infection the app connects to a Control & Command centre of its creatorss. It bypasses Google Play’s protection termed Bouncer by a seemingly benign bridgehead app.
Check Point writes the Judy malware seems not made for the stealing purpose of information, but only to generate fake ad clicks and make money for its masters.
However, it is quite possible for the creators to steal information of users from a phone.
One another investigation report reveals the Judy malware has been developed by Korean company Kiniwini and it has been registered as ENISTUDIO corp on Google Play.
As Judy malware is an adware, it tries to make money by creating fake ad clicks after infecting an Android smartphone. After infection the app connects to a Control & Command centre of its creatorss. It bypasses Google Play’s protection termed Bouncer by a seemingly benign bridgehead app.
Check Point writes the Judy malware seems not made for the stealing purpose of information, but only to generate fake ad clicks and make money for its masters.
However, it is quite possible for the creators to steal information of users from a phone.
One another investigation report reveals the Judy malware has been developed by Korean company Kiniwini and it has been registered as ENISTUDIO corp on Google Play.
Should Android user worry
As Google’s Bouncer protection has failed in this case, it is better to be preventive. It is a worrisome for Android users even though Google regularly claims it scams the Play store for malicious apps and threats. It is highly suggested to be careful while downloading apps.
Check Point said they have reported to Google about the rogue apps that contain code of Judy malware and Google Play store has deleted those apps.
However, users should still be very careful about downloading unknown apps.
As Google’s Bouncer protection has failed in this case, it is better to be preventive. It is a worrisome for Android users even though Google regularly claims it scams the Play store for malicious apps and threats. It is highly suggested to be careful while downloading apps.
Check Point said they have reported to Google about the rogue apps that contain code of Judy malware and Google Play store has deleted those apps.
However, users should still be very careful about downloading unknown apps.
How to know your phone is affected
There is hardly any tool to find out whether Judy malware has been installed on your phone. Check frequently from reviews, news and other sources which apps are harmful and see whether you have installed any of those. If yes, format your phone immediately.
Verdict
Smartphone has become an important part of our life and you should be very careful while handling it. Always know what you are doing on it. If you find something suspicious, report to Google and avoid using the link or downloading the apps. Only install those apps on which you are confident and know from other sources that those are authentic and free of such malware. Don’t risk your phone and yourself unnecessarily.
There is hardly any tool to find out whether Judy malware has been installed on your phone. Check frequently from reviews, news and other sources which apps are harmful and see whether you have installed any of those. If yes, format your phone immediately.
Verdict
Smartphone has become an important part of our life and you should be very careful while handling it. Always know what you are doing on it. If you find something suspicious, report to Google and avoid using the link or downloading the apps. Only install those apps on which you are confident and know from other sources that those are authentic and free of such malware. Don’t risk your phone and yourself unnecessarily.
