New Android malware affecting up to 25,000 devices: Report

Dr Web said it has come across malware on Google Play, which is the platform for apps used on Android OS.

NEW DELHI: Security software developer Dr Web on Friday said it has come across malwareon Google Play, which is the internet search giant's platform for apps used on Androidoperating system.

The malware deplete subscriber's accounts by sending short messages to premium numbers.

The Russia-based firm said about 11,000 to 25,000 devices are infected by these malicious programmes.

"Dr Web has discovered several malicious programmes on Google Play that install Android.SmsSend Trojans on mobile devices. The Trojans send short messages to premium numbers and deplete subscriber accounts ," it said in a release. Google was promptly notified about the incident, it added.

The programmes, discovered by Dr Web's analysts, belong to the Vietnamese developer AppStoreJsc. They are disguised as audio players and a video player that displays adult content. The total number of installations of these three programmes ranges between 11,000 and 25,000," it said.

Although, these applications appear harmless, they have an extra APKfile that contains an Android.Sms-Send Trojan, Dr Web said.

While running these applications , dubbed Android .MulDrop, Android.MulDrop .1 and Android.MulDrop.2 by Dr Web, they can prompt the user to download the content they need, but their consent initiates the installation of another application rather than the downloading of files, it added
.