Apps Riddled with Malware Return to Google Play Store
On a regular basis, app stores are conducting security scans on potential apps to ensure their legitimacy. They do this for a couple reasons. First, app stores do not want their platform to be used as a breeding ground for malicious activity. Secondly, the store will lose credibility with users if they’re allowing malicious apps to be distributed within their store. Although, there have been times malicious activity has slipped through the cracks, and it has happened again.
Recently the Google Play Store’s security has failed. Tremendously. For a reason, still unclear to the public, the Google Play Store allowed several malicious apps back into their Store, with a simple name change of the program and publisher. This means, none of the malicious coding was changed. Therefore, if the security teams and/or software scanners, were working as they should — these apps should have been easily blocked, as the coding was previously identified as malicious. However, that was not the case.
That malicious apps, disguised as productivity apps, have been removed from the Google Play Store. At this time, no specific application names are being disclosed. According to Engadget, Google has yet to comment.
Keeping Your Android Device Protected
It is important users keep their mobile devices, both tablets and smart phones, protected from malicious software. Often times users will keep just as much personal information on mobile devices, as they do on laptops or desktops, yet do not think to install a security solution on them.
Existing PC Matic consumers have the ability to add Android devices to their existing license, assuming they have not filled up all five device slots on their license. To do so, users must:
- Go to the Google Play Store
- Search “PC Matic for Android”
- Download the app
- Login using their existing PC Matic login credentials
Users who do not have PC Matic are encouraged to contact their existing security solution provider to inquire if they offer a plan for mobile devices.
