Representational image

Android smartphone users now have another malware to worry about. This malware can get access to their Gmail data and Google photos. The malware has already affected around 1 million Android devices and is posing a serious threat globally. A report published by security firm Check Point Research stated that the attack campaign called ‘Gooligan’ violated the security measures of 1 million Google accounts and still continuous to attack around 13,000 devices on a regular basis.

Check Point Research also stated that the malware steals authentication symbols that can be used to access data from various segments like Gmail, Google docs, Google Photos, Google Drive and many more. Not only this, but also ‘Gooligan’ infuses a ‘malicious module’ into Google Play. With this it can steal users’ data from their emails, install app from Play Store and raise the apps rankings. All these are done with the victims having no knowledge of new apps being downloaded or rated.
The firm stated that it is in touch with Google’s security team and is trying to find out the source of this threatening campaign.

The malware mostly affects Android Jelly Bean, Android KitKat and Android Lollipop users. Several fake apps were infected with this malware and those who have downloaded these apps, became victim of Gooligan. Check Point has already created a website named gooligan.checkpoint.com. Here, Android users can enter their Gmail id and check if their privacy has been violated.

Those who became a victim of the malware, for them Check Point recommends a reinstallation of the Operating System (OS) in the mobiles. This should be done in an authorised service centre and users should change their Google account password immediately after reinstalling the OS.