Last week Google removed 50+ malware infected apps that were found on the Android Market, each of which was capable of forcing its way into a user’s phone and retrieving data once installed. Google immediately removed the applications and suspended the account of the developer associated with them. Late last night Google finally published an official response to the dozens of malware infected Android applications that had infiltrated the Android Market. Google also announced that it has taken further steps to protect consumers affected by these applications. Firstly, it has initiated what is often referred to as the remote kill switch. This will cause these applications to be automatically uninstalled from all devices automatically. Furthermore, Google is also issuing a security update for the Android Market that will undo the damage caused by these applications. Google says that impacted users will receive an email message from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it within the next 48 hours – if they have not received it already. They will also receive an on-device notification telling them that the “Android Market Security Tool March 2011? has been installed. This tool will automatically patch the exploit, and Google says that affected users will receive a second email message within 24 hours confirming that the tool has successfully run. The company also says that users may receive email messages telling them of the applications that have been removed. The letter Google is sending affected users, as obtained by Techcrunch: You are receiving this message to inform you of a critical issue affecting your Android Market account. Hello, We recently discovered applications on Android Market that were designed to harm devices. These malicious applications (“malware”) have been removed from Android Market, and the corresponding developer accounts have been closed. According to our records, you have downloaded one or more of these applications. This malware was designed to allow an unauthorized third-party to access your device without your knowledge. As far as we can determine, the only information obtained was device-specific (IMEI/IMSI, unique codes which are used to identify mobile devices, and the version of Android running on your device). However, this malware could leave your device and personal information at risk, so we are pushing an Android Market security update to your device to remove this malware. Over the next few hours, you will receive a notification on your device that says “Android Market Security Tool March 2011? has been installed. You are not required to take any action from there, the update will automatically run. You may also receive notification(s) on your device that an application has been removed. Within 24 hours of receiving the update, you will receive a second email confirming its success. To ensure this update is run quickly, please make sure that your device is turned on and has a strong network connection. For more details, please visit the Android Market Help Center. Regards,The Android Market Team In order to view comments on gizmodo.com you need to enable JavaScript.If you are using Firefox and NoScript addon, please mark gizmodo.com as trusted. Google notes that devices running Android 2.2.2 or higher were immune to the effects of these malicious applications, and that it believes only device-specific information was gathered by the apps. Google does say that the nature of the attacks would have allowed them to potentially access other personal data, though. Stay tuned for more news and info by following us on Twitter and/or by subscribing to our RSS Feed. Authors:

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