Google recently announced a new functionality for their Android application marketplace, which automatically scans new apps for known malware. The service is known as Bouncer, continuously runs periodic simulations on existing apps to test them for malicious behavior like data theft or paid texting scams.Since Android first launched, Google has had the ability to monitor and remotely delete deceptive apps from user’s devices, even without the user’s participation. Google has also implemented certain security features on the device itself to limit the access of untrusted apps on the device. However malicious apps have still managed to make their way into the Android Market and infect several users.
Google now plans a more preventive approach, and even screen developers to filter out malicious content before it has a chance to make its way into the marketplace. While these precautions may not be at the same level as what Apple subjects its developers its still a step towards ensuring the safety of the end users.
Google claims that the malware in the Android Market has continued to steadily decline, and that there has been over a 40% decrease in potentially malicious app downloads between the first and second half of 2011.
While Google continues to improve its own market, its openness allows apps to be installed from third party markets or sources. This too can reach to an increase in potentially infects apps. Antivirus vendors have taken account of this resulting in several solutions being offers to Android devices.
Do you trust in Google’s protection of Android and its ecosystem or do you keep your device protected by an antivirus solution? Share your experience in the comments section below.
source – Forbes