Trend Micro Researchers Discover New Version of "Godless"

Security researchers at Trend Micro discovered a new version of the “Godless” malware that infects Android devices running the Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system, or earlier versions.

Android devices affected by this malware take up approximately 90% of the devices used around the world, and up to date it has infected more than 850,000 devices worldwide.

When a device is infected by the “Godless” malware, it secretly installs malicious apps to the device, which allow monitoring the user’s activities. It seems that infecting a device is not that difficult after all, since “Godless” managed to bypass Google Play’s security mechanisms.

For this reason, the security company Trend Micro warns and encourages users not to proceed with installing unknown applications, and prior to installing an application check the identity of the developer, even if the application is approved by Google Play.