app behavior Archives

AppWizard

June 21, 2025

Understanding Android 14 Privacy Changes: Key Insights

The introduction of Android 14 features a sophisticated permissions model that requests app permissions only when needed, allowing users to choose between "approximate" and "precise" location access. Apps handling transactions must justify their need for real-time access. Background location usage must be disclosed in Play Store listings, and developers must complete Data Safety Forms. Android enforces scoped storage, isolating apps in sandboxed environments to reduce data leakage risks. Visual indicators for microphone and camera usage were introduced in Android 12, and Android 14 requires apps to specify the nature of access. In-app transactions in gaming apps must meet elevated security standards, including encryption and biometric logins, and undergo audits under PCI DSS. Background access for location services requires clear justification, and developers must submit a Permission Declaration Form. Google Play mandates disclosure of third-party SDKs and their data practices. User awareness is emphasized through concise permission dialogs and Data Safety summaries in Play Store listings. Secure login protocols like OAuth 2.0 are required for sensitive applications, with stronger encryption mandates. Apps for children must comply with COPPA and GDPR-K regulations, with manual reviews by the Play Store. Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to enhance privacy in advertising practices, with expected rollout in 2024.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

GodFather Android Malware Uses On-Device Virtualization to Hijack Legitimate Banking Apps

Zimperium zLabs has identified a new version of the GodFather Android banking malware that uses on-device virtualization to infiltrate legitimate banking and cryptocurrency applications. This malware creates an isolated virtual environment on the victim's device, allowing attackers to observe and manipulate user interactions in real time. It employs a malicious host application with a virtualization framework that downloads and executes a copy of the targeted app, capturing credentials and sensitive information. GodFather targets nearly 500 applications globally, particularly focusing on Turkish financial institutions. It utilizes evasive tactics, including ZIP manipulation and obfuscation, to evade detection and installs its payload through a session-based dropper technique. The malware retains traditional overlay attacks and has extensive remote control capabilities, posing a significant threat to mobile security and user trust.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

Google says updating Instagram app will fix Android battery drain issue

Many Android users have reported significant battery drain caused by the Instagram app, with Google confirming that Instagram is responsible for this issue. Users have shared experiences on platforms like Reddit, noting that Instagram can account for a large percentage of battery usage in a short time compared to other apps. Some users attempted to revert to older versions of Instagram, which led to overheating issues, while others switched to Instagram Lite for better battery performance. In response to these concerns, Google advised users to update to Instagram version 382.0.0.49.84, which has reportedly resolved the battery drain problem for many. This incident follows earlier battery-related issues faced by Pixel phone users, highlighting ongoing performance challenges linked to app updates. Users are encouraged to keep their Instagram app updated and monitor battery usage by applications.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Preventing App-Based Threats on Android Devices

By 2025, the Android platform faces increasingly sophisticated app-based threats, including ransomware, fake apps, social engineering, and remote access attacks. Cybercriminals exploit Android's open architecture, prompting the need for advanced security measures. Android's security architecture includes: 1. Google Play Protect: Scans applications before installation using real-time machine learning to detect emerging malware and deceptive tactics. 2. Application Sandboxing: Isolates apps to prevent data access between them, utilizing Linux permissions and SELinux policies. 3. App Signing and Code Integrity: Requires cryptographic signatures for apps, complicating the introduction of rogue certificates and runtime modifications. Advanced protections include Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) for high-security apps, which monitors behavior in real time, and secure coding practices that encourage regular code reviews, strong authentication, and data encryption. User vigilance is crucial, emphasizing responsible downloading, limiting permissions, keeping software updated, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with public Wi-Fi. Google continuously updates security measures, ensuring older devices receive new protections, while collaboration with the security community aids in identifying and countering emerging threats.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to stop Android apps running in the background

Experiencing unexpected battery drain on Android devices can be caused by background apps. To manage these apps and alleviate battery issues, users can activate the Adaptive Battery feature by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and toggling it on. Regular updates for both the Android system and applications can improve battery performance. Users can check for Android updates in Settings > System > Software updates and for app updates in the Google Play Store under Manage apps & device. To monitor battery usage, users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage to identify which apps consume the most power. For RAM usage, enabling Developer options allows users to see which apps are using memory by going to Settings > About phone > Build number (tap seven times) > System > Developer options > Running services. Users can stop or uninstall background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, selecting the app, and choosing to force stop or uninstall it. To limit background activity for specific apps, users can enable "Pause app activity if unused" or toggle off "Allow background usage" in the app's battery usage settings. Some manufacturers offer built-in options for managing background apps, and third-party apps like Greenify can also help. Common battery-draining apps include social media and streaming services.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2025

Apple releases emergency security update for serious vulnerability

A security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24201 affects Apple devices, specifically those using WebKit, and can expose personal information to attackers. This vulnerability has been exploited in targeted attacks against users of older iOS versions prior to 17.2. Apple has released emergency patches through iOS 18.3.2 and iPadOS 18.3.2 to address this issue. The affected devices include iPhone XS and later models, as well as various iPad models from the 7th generation and later. Users are advised to update their devices immediately to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google Has Pulled Nearly 200 Apps Due to Extensive Android Ad Fraud Scheme

Google has removed over 180 applications from its Play Store due to a scheme exploiting Android apps for ad fraud, as revealed by Integral Ad Science (IAS). The investigation, initiated in late 2024, identified unusual app behavior and traffic patterns. The operation, named Vapor Threat, involved fraudsters creating shell applications that appeared as legitimate health and fitness tools but were designed solely to generate ad revenue through full-screen video advertisements. IAS emphasized the need for vigilance in the advertising ecosystem and highlighted the ongoing challenges of ad fraud, urging advertisers to adopt robust anti-fraud strategies.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Google Relies On AI-Assist Threat Detection to Keep Android Safe

Google blocked 2.36 million apps from being published in 2024 due to violations of Google Play policies and banned over 158,000 developer accounts for attempting to distribute harmful applications. The company prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining excessive access to users' sensitive data. Over 92% of human reviews for harmful apps were AI-assisted, allowing for quicker and more accurate actions. Google implemented new requirements for developers to enhance transparency regarding data handling and introduced a "Data deletion" option for apps. Over 91% of app installations on the Google Play Store utilized the latest protections from Android 13 or newer. Google Play Protect scanned more than 200 billion apps daily and identified over 13 million new malicious apps from outside Google Play in 2024.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google will now automatically revoke permissions from harmful Android apps

Google has introduced a new feature in its Play Protect service that automatically revokes permissions