App Security Archives

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Avoid Downloading Apps From Untrusted Sources, Google Warns Android Users

Google warns Android users about the risks of downloading apps from sources outside the Google Play Store, noting that such apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware. In 2023, Google removed around 2.3 million suspicious apps from the Play Store and banned over 300 apps that circumvented Android's security measures, which had over 60 million downloads and were involved in deceptive advertising and phishing schemes. Google is enhancing its Play Protect Live Threat Detection system to combat fake and dangerous apps. Recommendations for protecting phones include downloading apps only from the Google Play Store, checking reviews and ratings, installing security updates, and avoiding unknown links.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Google to Ramp Up Android Security With These New Features for Developers

Google has launched initiatives to enhance the security of its Play Store, focusing on reducing malicious and fraudulent applications. Key measures include upgrading the Play Integrity API to protect users from harmful apps and assist developers in addressing modified applications. Google Play Protect's threat detection will expand to target apps impersonating financial services, with Enhanced Financial Fraud Protection being rolled out to more markets. The app submission process will be streamlined with additional pre-review checks, and developers will receive notifications about policy compliance. Google has introduced "Government" and "Verified" badges for specific app categories and plans to expand this system. Over the past year, Google blocked 2.36 million apps violating Play Store policies and identified significantly more Android malware from third-party sources compared to those on the Play Store.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

US spies issued warning WEEKS AGO about Signal messaging app security fears and potential leaks

The National Security Agency (NSA) issued a warning on February 25 regarding vulnerabilities in the Signal app that could be exploited by foreign operatives, particularly Russian intelligence. This warning highlighted risks to the confidentiality of conversations and noted that individuals under surveillance should be cautious when using the app. The memo stated that while Department of Defense and NSA employees may use Signal, they are prohibited from discussing sensitive matters on it. Furthermore, the NSA cautioned against sharing compromising information over social media or internet-based applications, urging discretion in online interactions. The warning preceded a scandal involving Trump administration officials who leaked sensitive military information through the app, which included a U.S. journalist in the conversation, leading to potential legal repercussions for violating security guidelines.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Amazon Appstore will no longer be available on Android

Amazon will discontinue its Appstore for Android devices effective August 20, 2025, and will also terminate its Coins digital currency program. Users will lose access to the Appstore on Android devices, but any coins held in accounts by that date will be eligible for a refund. The Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon's proprietary devices, including Fire TV and Fire Tablets. Additionally, Amazon will end support for its app store on Windows, which had allowed Android applications since March 5, 2025.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Amazon’s App Store Has This Dangerous Android Health App That Can Steal Your Data

The Amazon App Store is hosting a potentially harmful app named BMICalculationVsn, marketed as a body mass index (BMI) calculator. Developed by PT Visionet Data Internasional, the app has been flagged as spyware by McAfee Labs, raising privacy concerns due to its requests for sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and audio recordings. The app has thousands of installations and has been identified as a security threat since October 8, 2024. Users are advised to keep their Play Protect feature active to mitigate risks associated with third-party app stores.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Amazon Appstore used to spread Android malware — delete this malicious app right now

Researchers at McAfee Labs found a malicious app named BMI CalculationsVsn on the Amazon Appstore, disguised as a body mass index calculator. The app activates screen recording when users click the “Calculate” button, potentially capturing sensitive information. Although it was designed to record video, the developer had not implemented the capability to upload recordings. The app could still scan for installed applications and collect text messages. It was uploaded to the Amazon Appstore in early October and was removed after McAfee alerted Amazon. Users who installed it need to delete it manually.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Android malware found on Amazon Appstore disguised as health app

A malicious Android spyware application named 'BMI CalculationVsn' was discovered on the Amazon Appstore, disguised as a health tool. Researchers at McAfee Labs identified the app, which was siphoning data from infected devices without users' knowledge, and alerted Amazon, leading to its removal. Users who installed the app must manually uninstall it and scan their devices for any remaining spyware. The app, published by 'PT Visionet Data Internasional,' initially appeared as a user-friendly BMI calculator but secretly activated a screen recording service and collected sensitive information, including SMS messages and one-time passwords. The app first appeared on October 8 and underwent modifications throughout the month. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in app stores and emphasizes the need for users to be cautious when downloading applications and to review app permissions carefully. Keeping Google Play Protect activated is recommended for enhanced security.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

Phone Antivirus Software Market to Witness Massive Growth in Years to Come

HTF Market Intelligence has released a study on the Global Phone Antivirus Software Market, covering 143 pages and analyzing market trends from 2024 to 2032. The market is expected to grow from .7 billion in 2024 to a projected value by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.5%. It includes categories such as Mobile Antivirus, Malware Protection, Anti-theft, and Privacy Protection, and applications like Personal Devices, Mobile Security, Data Protection, and App Security. The report highlights North America as the dominating region and Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region. It aims to identify key manufacturers, analyze market share, examine growth factors, assess future trends, and investigate recent developments. A five forces analysis and a PESTLE analysis are included to evaluate market conditions. The report's structure includes sections on market overview, pricing analysis, segmentation, competitive analysis, and research methodology.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Google’s beefing up Android app security, but not everyone’s going to be happy

Google is enhancing its Play Integrity API to provide faster and more secure device attestation for Android applications. The updated API will make it harder to spoof attestation checks and will introduce measures to verify that apps are installed via the Play Store, potentially affecting sideloaded applications. Average Android users can expect improved app performance, although some may receive notifications about outdated security updates. Developers can opt into the new system now, with a broader rollout planned for May 2025.

BetaBeacon

November 28, 2024

Microsoft cites Google for delay in buying games directly from Xbox app on Android

Microsoft is waiting for Google to resolve legal proceedings before rolling out the capability of facilitating direct purchases and playing for games from the Xbox app on Android.