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Google May Soon Scan Your Android Apps For Malware

Posted by Soulskill on from the because-you're-clearly-not-capable dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Is Google planning on integrating an antivirus scanner into Android? A just-released Google Play store app update, as well as the company's recent acquisition of VirusTotal seem to hint that yes, Google is looking into it. 'Google yesterday started rolling out an update to its Google Play Store app: version 3.8.17 from August was bumped to version 3.9.16 in October. Android Police got its hands on the APK and posted an extensive tear down. The first change noted was the addition of new security-related artwork (exclamation icons and security shields) as well as the following strings: App Check 'Allow Google to check all apps installed to this device for harmful behavior? To learn more, go to Settings > Security.''"

11 of 124 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Already installed Sophos on my phone by VMaN · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm a bit confused as to how these non google security apps are supposed to police your phone when they aren't running with escalated privileges...

  2. samsung or dambfunk by epSos-de · · Score: 2, Insightful

    AM I the only one who just wants to communicate without all the trouble. Smart phones brought us the troubles of having too much.

    --
    ~ Best man at your service.
  3. Don't scan my phone, scan your store. by cimmerian · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Instead of scanning the apps that I choose to install on my phone, why not just scan the apps they allow on their Play Store? Then, if people choose to install applications outside of the store, it'll be at their own risk. Also, scanning the app ONCE on their store makes more sense than redundantly scanning it millions of times on each users phone.

  4. Re:Except that the trusted rep is the source .... by Nerdfest · · Score: 3, Informative

    No, it's not. The vast majority of malware for Android (of which there's really not that much) is from alternative Chinese markets that carry copies apps.

  5. Re:Already installed Sophos on my phone by poetmatt · · Score: 2

    sophos isn't a security app. it's something you install that you believe provides security. that's actually different.

    However, if you aren't installing from 3rd party app stores chances are low that there's anything of risk.

  6. Good move. by csumpi · · Score: 2

    I think this is a good move. Instead of locking everyone into a single store, google can keep users free and safe.

    If only microsoft would've done the same two decades ago.

    1. Re:Good move. by Nerdfest · · Score: 2

      It wouldn't have helped. The 'scanning' model is reactive most the most part, and you need to discover the malware before you can scan for it. Microsoft's biggest problem was no interest in security and a bad security model. Google's problem is that people don't read the permissions they're giving to the apps they install. (It's not Google's fault as such, but it is their problem).

    2. Re:Good move. by Clifton+Beach · · Score: 2

      It's not Google's fault as such, but it is their problem

      Yes it is Google's fault for implementing a take-it-or-leave-it approach to permissions. Eg if I install a flashlight app, I should be able to agree to permission to keep the device awake, but not to access my location and SD card or have full internet access.

      --
      42 hidden comments
  7. Viruses are not the issue by Skapare · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The real issue is apps with malicious design intentions ... like ones that track your activity for advertising.

    --
    now we need to go OSS in diesel cars
    1. Re:Viruses are not the issue by denis-The-menace · · Score: 2

      I've seen games that NEED access to SMS text, your contacts, pictures, GPS, etc. (e.g. Tetris that needs Internet access)

      What Android really needs is both a way to block permissions WITHOUT rooting *and* someone with a brain that stops these things from making it in the store in the first place.

      Will it happen? HELL NO.
      Your lack of privacy is WAY to profitable.

      --
      Obama's legacy: (N)othing (S)ecure (A)nywhere and (T)error (S)imulation (A)dministration
  8. And Ads! by CuteSteveJobs · · Score: 2

    The Google Play store does not say whether or not a 'free' app contains ads - especially the distracting blinking banner ads. It's fine for developers to do this and users may accept it rather than buying the app, but developers should disclose it up front. I get sick of downloading apps only to delete them. Plus many 'free' apps want access to your phone state, so they can see your phone number, who you call, and when you call them. Sneaky:

    And take the children's drawing game which server up adult ads
    Hannah-Siobhan - September 13, 2012 - Good basic game. Shame for the adverts my kids can click on, needs to have a lock screen option.
    kristen - September 29, 2012 - Not kid friendly ads - Good time waster for kids, but the ads contain mature content, I saw buttocks yesterday...
    Laura - September 19, 2012 - Version 4.0.1 - Disappointed - They show poor judgement with their advertising. With inappropriate pictures I cannot let my children use this app.
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=virtualgs.kidspaint