Google has published statistics on security activities in its Play Store. According to this, the group did not allow 1.43 million apps last year because they violated the guidelines. In the previous year there were still around 1.2 million apps. Google itself attributes this to new, improved security features, as well as continuous investments in machine learning systems and app review processes.
Also has Google according to their own statements Banned 173,000 developer accounts that had malicious and fraudulent intent. The Internet giant is certain that it has prevented two billion US dollars in abusive transactions. Compared to the previous year, the number of blocked accounts has decreased slightly. Google justified the decline by raising the bar for new developers in terms of phone, email and identity verification. It also continues to work with Android SDK vendors to restrict access to sensitive data to improve overall privacy.
Close cooperation with developers
Google sees the cooperation with the app developers as a central point for the security of the Android ecosystem. Which is why Google has continued to expand here. The program to improve app security has helped developers to uncover around 500,000 security gaps in around 300,000 apps. The helpline pilot project, which offers direct telephone support, has also been expanded. To enable developers to directly exchange questions about guidelines and best practices, Google has established a developer community. Furthermore, the “Google Play SDK Index” should help in the future to be able to better assess the reliability and security of a developer kit.
Last but not least, the internet giant has tightened its ad policies to combat fraudulent and malicious ads on Google Play. Unexpected full-screen ads are prohibited. According to Google, the update of the guidelines is based on the standards of the Coalition for Better Ads.
more transparency
In order to improve transparency in the Play Store for users, in 2022 Google also introduced a badge for every app that has passed an independent security assessment according to the App Defense Alliance’s “Mobile App Security Assessment” (MASA). The badge is displayed in the data security section of an app. According to Google, it has observed strong developer interest in MASA across all app categories.
Google launched the App Defense Alliance in 2019 to improve protections in the Play Store. The company works with security software manufacturers such as ESET, Lookout and Zimperium. Over the past year, Google has expanded its alliance of partners. Accordingly, McAfee and Trend Micro have also joined.
(ssi)
