Google removes malicious Angry Birds ‘cheats’ from Android Market

You may have previously thought those countless apps promising ‘cheats’ on the best-selling games that lurk on every Android Market corner to be merely an annoyance, but it seems they’re much more sinister than that.

Google has removed over ten of these files having discovered that they harboured the malicious ‘Plankton’ Trojan, which allows for a third-party to syphon off your details straight from your handset (browser bookmarks, contacts, and IMEI number among other things).

Yes, it’s another episode of viruses making their way onto the Android Market, and another reminder that if you want to avoid handing over your details through your Android handset, you should try to avoid obviously shady apps such as these ‘cheat’ files.

What’s baffling is that we have the most conprehensive hints and tips articles on Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio on the net, so why would anyone want to download a cheap and dodgy-looking app in the first place?