app behavior Archives

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

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google can now auto-disable permissions from risky Android apps

Google Play Protect is enhancing security for Android devices by automatically disabling app permissions for potentially harmful applications, preventing access to sensitive information. Users can restore permissions but must confirm their decision, promoting caution. Play Protect scans all apps, including sideloaded ones, and blocks harmful applications based on threat levels, scanning over 200 billion apps daily. It also prevents users from disabling Play Protect during phone and video calls to combat social engineering scams. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 fraudulent developer accounts, introduced live threat detection for Pixel devices, and launched a verification badge for trustworthy VPNs.

AppWizard

December 25, 2024

Android users who use Amazon are placed on red alert and told to delete app now

A recent alert from McAfee has raised concerns for Android users regarding a health application called BMI CalculationVsn available on Amazon's Appstore. This app, which appears to be a simple Body Mass Index calculator, is capable of recording on-screen activity, accessing private SMS messages, and scanning devices for sensitive information. McAfee discovered that the app secretly steals the package names of installed apps and incoming SMS messages. Following this discovery, McAfee alerted Amazon, which removed the app from its platform. Users who have downloaded the app are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee emphasizes the importance of vigilance in digital security, recommending that Android users install reliable antivirus software and carefully review permission requests from apps. Users should also be aware of unusual app behavior, such as decreased device performance, rapid battery drain, and unexpected spikes in data usage, which may indicate malicious activity.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Urgent Android warning for anyone who uses Amazon – delete dangerous app now

McAfee's security team discovered a malicious app named "BMI CalculationVsn" in Amazon's Android Appstore, which pretended to be a health tracker but was capable of screen recording, password theft, and accessing private SMS messages. Following the report, Amazon removed the app from its platform, and users who downloaded it are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee recommends that Android users install reliable antivirus software, scrutinize permission requests before downloading apps, and monitor app behavior for unusual activity to enhance their security.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Samsung Warning—Do Not Install These Apps On Your Galaxy S24 Or S23

Samsung is experiencing delays with the Android 15 update for Galaxy S24 and S23 users, who are eager for new features in AI, security, and privacy. A recent leak from Samsung’s Spanish website about the update was quickly retracted. Current leaks indicate that a beta version may be available this month for select models and regions, while a stable release is projected for early 2025 alongside the S25 Series launch. Users are downloading leaked system apps, which pose risks to device safety and personal data, leading Samsung to tighten restrictions on sideloading. Google is also removing thousands of apps from the Play Store for security reasons. Android 15 will include live threat detection powered by on-device AI, but until the update is available, risks remain high. Users are advised to avoid unofficial downloads while awaiting the official updates. Samsung is reportedly making progress on the update, with the build number changing from ZXKV to ZXKY, and more details are expected soon. The stable release will follow the Galaxy S25 series launch and will include One UI 7 for other devices like the Galaxy S23, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy Z Fold 6.

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

New Android ‘Dangerous’ App Warning—Check Your Phone Now

Google is enhancing on-device monitoring to address Play Store challenges, having removed many lower-quality and higher-risk applications. Despite these efforts, permission abuse remains a significant issue for Android users, with many apps tracking individuals covertly. A report analyzed 71 popular shopping apps, revealing concerning trends regarding dangerous permissions. The research focused on 40 "dangerous" permissions that provide apps with extensive access to sensitive user data. Experts recommend users review app permissions regularly and consider removing apps that do not allow disabling intrusive permissions. The report identified Tata Neu as the app requesting the highest number of intrusive permissions (19), followed by Taobao (18) and Lazada (17). Many apps seek permission to track precise locations, access cameras, and read contacts, raising privacy concerns. Users are advised to manage and revoke app permissions through device settings and to be cautious about granting permissions that seem unnecessary for an app's purpose. Google's new live threat detection feature in Android 15 aims to monitor app behavior and flag potentially malicious permissions.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

Google’s working on a mysterious new Play Store app filter (APK teardown)

The Google Play Store is introducing a new filter that allows users to "filter apps that link to external apps." This feature, revealed through an APK teardown, suggests a shift in strategy focusing on app behavior rather than content. The purpose of the filter is unclear, raising questions about its implications for security and app interactions. The optional nature of the filter prompts speculation about whether it is a security measure and what "external" links encompass. The tech community is awaiting further clarification from Google regarding this development and its potential impact on user experience and app visibility.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Pixel phones will be able to detect and report malicious apps in real time

Google is enhancing its defenses against malware with a new feature called live threat detection, which actively monitors app behavior on devices to identify potentially harmful applications. This updated Google Play Protect service is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to extend to non-Pixel Android devices from manufacturers like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo. Live threat detection continuously evaluates app behavior post-installation, identifying dormant malware that may later engage in harmful activities. It uses the Private Compute Core for secure user data handling and provides real-time alerts for detected threats. Additionally, Google is introducing a scam call detection feature that uses on-device artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls for potential scams. This feature is currently available to participants in the Phone by Google app’s beta program for Pixel 6 and later devices, with plans for broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Here’s how Android 15 protects your two-factor authentication codes from malicious apps

Android 15 introduces enhanced security for notifications containing two-factor authentication codes by classifying them as "sensitive." Only trusted applications, which must have the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission, can access these notifications, preventing untrusted apps from reading them. The Android System Intelligence (ASI) processes notifications and marks those with sensitive content, ensuring untrusted apps receive a notification stating, “sensitive notification content hidden.” This change aims to improve security against hacking attempts but may disrupt automation tools that read notifications. Workarounds exist to restore previous functionality, but they pose potential security risks.