To Android devices users out there, this is a security alert calling your attention to a bunch of evil apps that have since been termed the Godless apps. And they are threatening the Android ecosystem.
These apps have the capability to root and hack into virtually any Android device running version 5.0 (Lollipop) and higher. These apps are especially scary since some of them are installable from right from the Google Play Store. A platform where users are urged to rely on for app they are installing on their devices.
Some of the apps on Play store include utility apps like flashlight, Wi-Fi apps and even some of the popular games on the app store. It has been reported that a flashlight named ‘Summer Flashlight’ had the malicious Godless code. The said apps and games are no longer listed on Play Store, so one can only assume Google has caught up to this malicious software and removed them from the app store.
The security threat was detected as ‘ANDROIDOS_GODLESS.HRX’ and was first detailed by researchers at a security blog Trend Micro. In part the blog read:
As of writing this, almost 90% of Android devices run on affected versions. Based on the data gathered from our Trend Micro Mobile App Reputation Service, malicious apps related to this threat can be found in prominent app stores, including Google Play, and has affected over 850,000 devices worldwide.”
Experts on the matter that the malicious apps with the Godless code can install on your devices silently leading to the user’s being served with unwanted ads. They are also warning that the app can also install backdoors and spy on you.
Users are cautioned against installing apps from untrusted/unknown developers, or clicking on links sent to their phones in SMS.