It’s a parent’s cyber nightmare–hackers were recently found pushing porn in game apps played by children. Say WHAT? Yep, cybercrime seems to have hit a new low by targeting children playing games online. Kids everywhere are being subjected to highly inappropriate and pornographic pop-up ads.
The malicious code named AdultSwine is currently found downloaded 3 to 7 million times and hides on many game apps popular with children. A total of 63 of the malicious gaming apps found on the Google Play store have since been removed by Google.
Check Point Researchers first discovered the malware in January, 2018. According to their findings, there’s a 3-stage process AdultSwine uses to wreak havoc on innocent game players.
“Displaying ads from the web that are often highly inappropriate and pornographic.”
It’s important to remember these pop-up ads are often stolen from other websites and put into a malware ad library to be illegally used as bait.
“Attempting to trick users into installing fake ‘security apps’.”
The malicious app produces a window saying the user's security has been compromised and that a security review is currently being done for their safety. Hitting “Remove Virus Now” leads one into a rabbit hole of malicious security apps or “Scareware” designed to steal your data and identity.
“Inducing users to register to premium services at the user’s expense.”
The pop-up ad prompts users to pay for services they don’t want or would never receive. A victim’s payment information is now floating in cyber space waiting to be plucked by cyberthieves. Criminals also use a pop-up saying the user has won a fantastic prize. To “collect” this prize, users must supply sensitive information sure to be used against them at a future point.
Always keep your pop-up blocker enabled in all your browsers. This will prevent many or most pop-ups from appearing.
While many, if not most of the advertisements flashing on the perimeter of the browser are just fine, many are not. They may be infected with malware that is just waiting for you to click and get the malware on your device. Be very cautious when clicking those ads.
Consider using ad-blocking software on your devices, especially those that you let your kids use. This will prevent the ads from showing in the first place so they cannot be clicked accidentally or otherwise.
Make sure all your devices have security software installed on them. Keep it up to date with the latest patches and versions.
Kids move fast. Sometimes it seems to be rocket speed. So, make sure you take precautions when letting them use internet-connected devices. These can be very useful and provide a lot of benefit, but they can also show your kids some things you’d rather not have to discuss with a three-year-old.