Ghost Push Malware Hits Google Play, Affects 900,000 Android Devices: Report

Advertisement
By Manish Singh | Updated: 16 October 2015 18:08 IST
Ghost Push Malware Hits Google Play, Affects 900,000 Android Devices: Report

Even if you don't download and install apps on your Android device from untrusted sources, your Android handset might still be affected with a newly found malware called Ghost Push. The Trojan-style malware has managed to find its way to Google Play by hiding itself inside apps.

Ghost Push has infected more than 900,000 Android devices so far, reports Cheetah Mobile, the developer that also discovered the malware. If that wasn't scary enough, the malware obtains root access to the affected device and installs more malicious apps and a never ending stream of ads. The affected apps include Talking Tom 3, Easy Locker, Privacy Lock, Calculator, and Assistive Touch among others.

The team at Cheetah Mobile estimates that criminal behind Ghost Push make around $4 million (roughly Rs. 26 crores) every day from it (thanks to the ads). The firm further noted that most security suites are unable to detect the malware. The firm has, do note, made a tool that detects and removes the said malware.

The malicious code hides itself insides apps and manages to bypass the security measures set by Google. This isn't the first time Google has fallen short from preventing similar mishaps. Earlier this year, security firm Avast reported several malicious apps in the store that affected millions of Android users. Another security firm Symantec went a step ahead and claimed that one in five Android apps the Google Play Store is malware. In July, it was revealed that Hacking Team had also found a way to bypass Google Play Store's measures. However, what's even more alarming is that Ghost Push manages to root devices, which enables it to install more malicious apps.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Airtel Offers Free Year-Long Perplexity Pro Subscription to All Users
  2. Asus Launches NUC 15 Pro Mini PC in India With These Features
  3. Vivo X300 Pro Could Offer a 50-Megapixel Sony LYT-828 Sensor
  4. Google Expands Same Day Walk-In Repair Service to 21 Cities in India
  5. iPhone 17 Series Could Be Available in These Colour Options
  6. Samsung Galaxy F36 5G: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Launch
  7. Vivo V60 Colours, Specifications and Design Leaked Ahead of India Launch
  1. Slack Updated With AI-Powered Enterprise Search, Channel Recaps, Huddles AI Meeting Notes and Translations
  2. Samsung's Launch Timeline for First Tri-Fold Smartphone Leaked; Tipster Hints at New Name
  3. Zoho Unveils In-House Zia AI Model, Launches Multiple Pre-Built AI Agents for Enterprises
  4. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra Leaked Renders Suggest Design
  5. Vivo X300 Pro Could Feature a 50-Megapixel Sony LYT-828 Sensor, MediaTek Dimensity 9500 SoC
  6. ChatGPT Plus Users Can Now Access Record Mode on ChatGPT for macOS
  7. Microsoft Upgrades Copilot Vision With Desktop Share Feature, Adds Support for Voice Mode
  8. Tecno Phantom Ultimate G Fold Concept Tri-Fold Phone Unveiled: Specifications
  9. Vivo V60 Colours, Key Specifications, Design Leaked Ahead of Rumoured India Launch
  10. Google’s AI Agent Big Sleep Discovers Critical Security Vulnerability, Said to Be a First
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.