Google Acquires Security Firm Zynamics Same Day Android Apps Hit by Malware

Google yesterday acquired German software company Zynamics, a company that specializes in reverse-engineering and analysis tools. Seems like the acquisition came just in time, because only a few hours later, 21 free apps were pulled from the Android Marketplace due to malware.

Google later confirmed the acquisition:

“We’re delighted to have the zynamics team aboard and hope their tools and skills in fighting malware will help us better protect Google’s users…The zynamics team will continue to develop innovative ways of applying their software analysis tools to protect users from malicious software. Their goals overlap with the commitment that Google has already made to ensure online security for our users.”

A post on threatpost speculated that the move was to help Google identify sites that serve malware or malicious ads and steer users away from them. But it’s just as likely after last night’s malware scare that Google may be more interested in using the company’s technology with Android.

The Trojan-infected apps (all of which were published by Myournet to the Android Market and were downloaded up to 200,000 times in four days) attempted to gain root access to users’ devices, gathering a wide range of available personal information, and downloading more code without the user’s knowledge, according to numerous reports. Android Police called it the “mother of all Android malware.”

The free apps include Falling Down, Super Guitar Solo, Super History Eraser, Photo Editor, Super Ringtone Maker, Super Sex Positions, Hot Sexy Videos, Chess, Hilton Sex Sound, Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls, Falling Ball Dodge, Scientific Calculator, Dice Roller, Advanced Currency Converter, APP Uninstaller, Funny Paint and Spider Man.