Google removed a number of malicious applications from the Android Market last week. The programs exploited a vulnerability in the platform that allows attackers to gain root access and apparently create a backdoor for deploying further malware. In a statement posted on the official Google Mobile blog this weekend by Android security lead Rich Cannings, the company has clarified the situation and described the steps it is taking to address the problem.

In addition to preventing further infection by removing the malicious applications from the Android Market, Google will also be using its remote kill switch to forcibly uninstall the application from infected handsets. The company is also pushing out an update to the Android Market that can reverse the exploit, thus preventing the attackers from using it to cause further damage. Google has already started to send out e-mails to affected users in order to explain the situation.

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Google using remote kill switch to swat Android malware apps