November 30, 2024 at 02:01PM McAfee identified 15 malicious SpyLoan apps targeting users in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, accumulating over 8 million downloads on Google Play. Deceptively marketed as loan services, these apps extort sensitive data and harass users post-installation. Despite removal efforts, SpyLoan risks persist, highlighting ongoing security challenges for app stores. … Read more
October 4, 2024 at 12:11PM Google removed Kaspersky’s Android security apps from Google Play and disabled the developer accounts, without providing a reason. While investigating the issue, Kaspersky advised users to install the apps from alternative stores or the company’s website. This comes after Kaspersky announced shutting down its U.S. operations due to government sanctions … Read more
September 23, 2024 at 12:06PM Two apps with a total of approximately 11 million downloads from Google Play were found to be infected with the Necro trojan by Kaspersky. The malware was distributed through these apps and unofficial versions of popular apps and games. The trojan can perform various malicious actions, targeting users in several … Read more
September 23, 2024 at 11:18AM A new version of the Necro Trojan malware for Android infected 11 million devices through Google Play via malicious advertising SDK. The Trojan was found in legitimate apps like Wuta Camera and Max Browser, with Kaspersky identifying obfuscation techniques used to hide malicious activities. Outside Google Play, it spread through … Read more
August 21, 2024 at 11:00AM Google is discontinuing its Google Play Security Reward Program (GPSRP) after achieving its goal of increasing Android OS security. Bug submissions will be accepted until August 31, 2024, with final rewards decided by September 30. The program has incentivized developers to improve their app security, paying out a total of … Read more
July 30, 2024 at 06:12AM In 2022, a new version of the Mandrake Android spyware went undetected on Google Play for two years, garnering 32,000+ downloads. The advanced spyware grants attackers full control over infected devices, enabling theft of credentials, files, and money, as well as screen recording and blackmail. Kaspersky warns that the spyware’s … Read more
July 29, 2024 at 06:29PM A new variant of the Android spyware ‘Mandrake’ was discovered in five Google Play apps downloaded 32,000 times. Kaspersky found the updated version with enhanced obfuscation and evasion, entering through these apps. The spyware operates stealthily, prompting users to install further malicious APKs. Android users are urged to be cautious … Read more
May 15, 2024 at 03:59PM Google has unveiled new security features for Android 15 and Google Play aimed at protecting against scams, fraud, and malware. These include protection against banking trojans and spyware, as well as measures to prevent theft of one-time passcodes and screen-sharing attacks. Additionally, Google is rolling out live threat detection and … Read more
April 29, 2024 at 01:53PM Google revealed that in 2023, almost 200,000 app submissions on the Play Store were rejected or fixed due to access to sensitive data issues. The company also blocked 333,000 bad accounts attempting to spread malware. Investments in security features, policy updates, and partnerships with SDK providers improved privacy for over … Read more
April 29, 2024 at 01:12PM Google announced that enhanced security measures blocked 2.28 million privacy-violating apps from its Google Play store in 2023. Investments in security features, policies, and machine learning helped identify bad actors and ban 333,000 accounts. Google also collaborated with SDK providers to enhance user privacy and expanded the Google Play SDK … Read more