GOOGLE is preparing a “quarantine” for potentially risky Android applications.
Quarantined apps are essentially placed in silent mode, where their activities are limited, as well as their interactions with other apps.
Google Play Protect already scans apps for malware in real time.
But this feature represents a new advance in terms of security.
According to Android Authority, the free upgrade would be included in Google’s biggest software update of the year: Android 15.
Android owners cannot quarantine apps manually.
Instead, the security measure is applied automatically if the application shows clear signs of maliciousness.
Quarantined apps would still be visible on your phone’s home screen and settings.
However, all notifications and activities will stop and all active windows will close.
Risky apps
Although Google is generally very good at removing dangerous apps from the Play Store, some slip through the cracks.
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Last week, ESET cyber researchers sounded the alarm about three malicious apps aiming to steal the personal information of Android owners.
These applications present themselves as messaging services and offer basic but functional services as bait.
On the surface, they work and appear legitimate – but they are not.
Behind the scenes, they hide the open source XploitSPY malware.
Apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, locations, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram.
Hackers advertised it – and others like it – on websites and the Google Play Store.
These are examples of apps that may seem legitimate enough to download, but would quickly be quarantined.
Android owners were asked to check for these three apps on their devices:
- Messenger Dink
- Sims Information
- Defcom
If you have one of these apps, you are advised to delete it immediately.
How to dodelete apps on Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the Profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps and devices. Manage.
- Select the name of the app you want to remove.
- Tap Uninstall.
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