The internet security experts from Check Point Software Technologies have recently found a new malicious code hidden inside over 60 game apps available for download from the Google Play Store.

According to the researchers the infected apps contained pornographic malware and were targeted squarely at children. The affected apps have so far been downloaded between 3 and 7 million times!

Dubbed as AdultSwine, the malware was designed to display adverts from the web that were often highly inappropriate and pornographic.

Fortunately, Google has immediately removed the infected apps from Google Play Store. In an emailed statement the company states: "We appreciate Check Point's work to help keep users safe." and "We've removed the apps from Play, disabled the developers' accounts, and will continue to show strong warnings to anyone that has installed them."

AdultSwine also attempted to trick users into downloading other apps, including fake “anti- malware” apps that promised to help protect the device against malicious content. The malware did so by displaying advertisements in the victim's web browser that claimed the device was infected or prompted them to download an app to remove a virus.

AdultSwine also attempted to get the user to sign up for SMS premium services, including the text messaging scams, which would charge the victim and generate profit for the attackers. For example, show an ad saying "the user is entitled to win an iPhone by simply answering four short questions," Check Point explained. "Should the user answer them, the malicious code informs the user that he has been successful, and asks him to enter his phone number to receive the prize. Once entered, the malicious code then uses this number to register to premium services.