Google strengthens its fight against malware apps on the Play Store

In an attempt to fight dangerous Android apps even before they hit the Play Store, Google has partnered with three cybersecurity companies. Google is naming this collaboration the 'App Defense Alliance'. As a result of this partnership, Google is working with ESET, Lookout, Zimperium to stop bad apps before they are published on the Play Store.

Google's App Defense Alliance

The rate at which hackers and bad actors are causing security risks and challenges to individuals is at an all-time high. While malware risks prevalent in the Android ecosystem, researchers have warned potentially unwanted apps are causing malware attacks that could be a much more significant threat in 2020.

"Fighting against bad actors in the ecosystem is a top priority for Google, but we know there are others doing great work to find and protect against attacks," said Dave Kleidermacher, VP, Android Security & Privacy. "Our research partners in the mobile security world have built successful teams and technology, helping us in the fight."

There are more than 2.5 billion Android devices around the world, which is what increases the potential for damage in the event of a cyberattack, further increasing the chances of a target for abuse. Google, along with its partners, is looking to neutralise malware risks and identify new threats.

Some of the reasons why Google has formed the App Defense Alliance are as follows:

-- Google says the primary objective of the company is to ensure the safety of the Play Store. 

-- Google wants to identify malicious, dangerous apps even before they are installed your phone.

-- Google says it is integrating the Play Protect detection systems with each partner’s scanning engines.

-- Google says it will generate new app risk intelligence as apps are being queued to publish.

-- Apparently, partners will analyse the risks involved with apps before they are live on Play Store.

How does this work

Google argues security researchers find potentially harmful applications (PHAs) both in and outside the Play Store all the time and report them to Google, mostly after the damage is already done. In related news, cybersecurity researchers recently discovered a malware app called Xhelper that reportedly infected more than 45,000 devices.