More than 36 million Android smartphones may be infected with this malware

Forty-one Android apps infected with malicious software were removed from the Google Play Store on Thursday, but cybersecurity experts believe that up to 36.5 million people may have downloaded the "auto-clicking adware."

Dubbed "Judy," the malware was published by South Korean gaming studio Kiniwini under the name ENISTUDIO Corp. It's unclear how the malicious code got there - criminal third parties or the company itself.

According to Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity company Check Point, the apps have been available in Google's Play Store for years, though the length of infection hasn't been determined.

"These apps also had a large amount of downloads between four and 18 million, meaning the total spread of the malware may have reached between 8.5 and 36.5 million users," the company explained Thursday.

"The malware uses infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it," Checkpoint added.

Applications infiltrated with malware are becoming problematic for Android app developers and consumers. As of last spring, an estimated 1.3 to 1.4 billion people owned Android phones, which are easier to infiltrate than iOS-based devices. The Google-developed operating system is "more open and adaptable," said security software company Sophos.

Apps featured in Apple's iOS store have gone through an in-depth examination. The thorough vetting process blocks "widespread malware infection" among iPhone users, though malicious software targeting Apple devices is on the rise, according to a report from SIXGILL.

Earlier this month, Google revealed "Play Protect," a service that scans Android devices "around the clock" to ensure proper protection.

A full list of the apps' package names and upload dates be seen here.

The following apps were infected:

Animal Judy: Persian Cat Care
Fashion Judy: Pretty Rapper
Fashion Judy: Teacher Style
Animal Judy: Dragon Care
Chef Judy: Halloween Cookies
Fashion Judy: Wedding Party
Animal Judy: Teddy Bear Care
Fashion Judy: Bunny Girl Style
Fashion Judy: Frozen Princess
Chef Judy: Triangular Kimbap
Chef Judy: Udong Maker – Cook
Fashion Judy: Uniform Style
Animal Judy: Rabbit Care
Fashion Judy: Vampire Style
Animal Judy: Nine-Tailed Fox
Chef Judy: Jelly Maker – Cook
Chef Judy: Chicken Maker
Animal Judy: Sea Otter Care
Animal Judy: Elephant Care
Judy’s Happy House
Chef Judy: Hot Dog Maker – Cook
Chef Judy: Birthday Food Maker
Fashion Judy: Wedding Day
Fashion Judy: Waitress Style
Chef Judy: Character Lunch
Chef Judy: Picnic Lunch Maker
Animal Judy: Rudolph Care
Judy’s Hospital: Pediatrics
Fashion Judy: Country Style
Animal Judy: Feral Cat Care
Fashion Judy: Twice Style
Fashion Judy: Myth Style
Animal Judy: Fennec Fox Care
Animal Judy: Dog Care
Fashion Judy: Couple Style
Animal Judy: Cat Care
Fashion Judy: Halloween Style
Fashion Judy: EXO Style
Chef Judy: Dalgona Maker
Chef Judy: Service Station Food
Judy’s Spa Salon