After the recent attack of ‘Ransomware’ malware on our computers, another danger in form of JUDY adware has sent shivers down the spine of all android users. It is an adware campaign which has infected a large part of Google Play Store. It has infected around 36 million users worldwide. Judy malware is nothing but an ‘auto-clicking adware’. This basically means that hackers make money by creating fake ad clicks after infecting smartphones with JUDY. The malware or auto-clicking adware essentially uses the infected devices to create fake clicks on advertisements and in turn, it generates revenue for whoever is behind this cyber crime. According to some resarch firms, this programme has been present inside apps since April 2016. In total, 41 apps of South Korea have been declared as infected with the adware. Similar to previous malware which infiltrated Google Play, such as FalseGuide and Skinner, Judy relies on the communication with its Command and Control server (C&C) for its operation.
This adware creates false clicks on ads, thereby increasing the revenue of these firms. This malware has showcased that no matter how secure Google Play Store is but these malwares can stay in it for a long time without getting caught. Although Google has clarified that it has removed any such affected app that has the possibility of containing JUDY but you should be cautious enough not to download any such app.
Takeways from Judy Malware: Questionnaire
Q1. Write a letter to your friend expressing your concern regarding the outbreak of malware on Android devices expressing your concern on his online presence and activity.
Q2. Write an essay in around 150 words expressing your concern regarding malicious apps affecting Android devices.
Q3. What is malicious Adware?
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while a program is running. Adware has been criticized because it often includes code that tracks and records users’ personal information and internet browsing habits. Malicious adware or spyware may be bundled in with free software, shareware programs and utilities downloaded from the internet, or surreptitiously installed onto a user’s device when the user visits an infected website.
