Google Play news stories
SMS
Global SMS scam uncovered on Google Play Store, promoted on Tik Tok and Instagram
More than 150 premium SMS scam applications have been discovered as part of a campaign dubbed “UltimaSMS” using Instagram and Tik Tok.
Android
Google adds protection in its fight against bad apps
Google has introduced a range of new policies to help protect users and guard against bad apps and developers, as it prioritises providing a safe experience to Google Play users and developers.
Malware
ESET uncovers chat app malware spying and stealing user's data
The Welcome Chat espionage app belongs to a known Android malware family and shares infrastructure with a previously documented espionage campaign named BadPatch, which also targeted the Middle East.
Malware
Check Point catches new form of Joker malware targeting Google Play Store
Check Point researchers have identified malware that is disguised as a legitimate looking Android application and is used to capture user’s information. Known as ‘Joker’, the billing fraud malware is specifically designed to evade Google Play Store protections.
Cybersecurity
Developers using Firebase urged to check configuration after leak exposed
Firebase, a data storage solution for apps, is used by an estimated 30% of all apps on the Google Play store – and data from Comparitech’s study released today indicates that 4.8% of apps using Firebase are ‘not properly secured’.
Gaming
Mobile game downloads jump 40% in three years
The market is the single largest revenue source of the entire gaming industry, and downloads have been rising steadily since 2016.
App Store
Addams Family Mystery Mansion now available on Android and iOS
It's a ‘darkly humorous’ mobile game, in which players must help Morticia and Gomez to reunite their family and refurnish their home.
Apple
New wellness app launches in New Zealand
Blys, a new on-demand wellness app designed to combat everyday stresses, is beginning its international rollout by launching in New Zealand, Auckland.
Mobile Security
The dark side of apps: Security threats on the rise
"Think about it, unsecured Wi-Fi, spoofing, phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware... mobile devices make for the perfect target."
App development
So you want to build a viral app: Tips from an industry guru
Plenty of people hope their app will make them rich, but only a few apps ever make it.
Google
Freeview On Demand now on streaming device
"Both our On Demand platform and Streaming Device were designed with the viewer at the heart of experience, so combining them was a natural next step."
Smart Home
Do you use the Peel Smart Remote app? Delete or update it now
Peel Smart Remote could leak your personal pictures, information, and documents to an unknown server.
Android
Popular Android apps track users and violate Google's policies
Google has reportedly taken action against some of the violators.
Malware
Android malware used to target North Korean defectors
A malware called RedDawn used Google Play to apparently target North Korean defectors, according to security firm McAfee.
Malware
Parents beware! Malware may be hitchhiking on game apps
Check Point researchers have revealed a new and nasty malicious code hiding on Google Play Store.
Cryptocurrency
Malicious cryptocurrency miners shift focus to Google Play
Cryptocurrency miners are spreading beyond computer operating systems and on to Android applications through Google Play.
Malware
Android banking Trojan stalks Google Play - again
It’s a case of déjà vu for one particular Android banking Trojan, which has popped up on Google Play after being removed from the store this year.
Google
GhostClicker adware infiltrated 300 apps on Google Play
A pervasive auto-clicking adware by the name of GhostClicker has infected as many as 340 apps from Google Play.
Malware
Malicious apps discovered on Google Play - some lurking for more than a year
Check Point, a security software company, has revealed that their researchers discovered another widespread malware campaign on Google Play.
Malware
Don’t pay for what is for free: Malicious Adobe Flash Player app found on Google Play
F11 did not contain any harmful code. Instead, it relied purely on social engineering, tricking users into paying €18 ($19) for Adobe Flash Player.
Application Security
Unit 42 discovers apps compromised by iFrames on Google Play
A number of apps appearing on Google Play contained IFrames infections that link to malicious domains in their HTML pages. Unit42 gives details.
Malware
ESET discovers fake Prisma apps full of trojans
ESET researchers reported fake versions of photo transformation app Prisma on Google Play, just ahead of the official app's launch last month.
Apps
Google Play's about to share its family with yours
Google Play is amping up its efforts to help users share their purchases with friends and/or family, with the introduction of Family Library.
Malware
Fake apps on Google Play tricked users into paying
Many malicious developers try to trick users into downloading their apps by creating the illusion of a useful application.