New ‘Judy’ Malware hits over 36 million handsets. How to protect your device?

Checkpoint reported 41 infected apps developed by Korea-based Kiniwini 

There’s a fresh threat of Android malware, originally discovered by researchers at Check Point last week, malware apparently infecting Android phones

This new malware campaign called ‘Judy’ has reportedly engulfed a large part of Google and Play store. It’s currently believed that upwards of 36.5 million Android devices may have already been infected.

Security experts have warned of a major Android malware scam on Google’s Play Store.  Google is aware of the malware campaign and has removed the offending apps from its online store.

Judy’ malware once installed on a phone, the apps generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, upon clicking the ads, the malware author receives payment from the website developer, which pays for the illegitimate clicks and traffic and that’s way they are generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it.

As for the perpetrators behind the malware campaign, all we know at this point is that the malicious apps originate from a Korean company that develops apps for both iOS and Android.

How can you protect your Android device and data?

Though, Google is removing infected listed of 41 malware infected apps from the Play Store, it is important you take other measures to protect your smartphone

• Before downloading an app, check for permissions it is asking for. Remember, your privacy is can be at risk, each time you download a new app.
• Google has a mechanism to detect malicious apps, but some time it misses out. So, it is imperative to have a good anti-virus.
• Keep your device updated. Check if your device is up-to-date with the latest software version as well as security patches.
• Always browse an unsecured network via VPN.

For instance, checkpoint did not find any evidence, that “Judy” compromised data on infected phones. That Judy was able to hide on Google Play for so long highlights the tradeoffs of Android operating system, which is often seen as more open but less secure than Apple’s iOS.