In 2015, Android malware infections totaled 9.5 million. Cheetah Mobile Security Research Lab has discovered that all third-party app stores tested contained potentially malicious applications, some of which had been downloaded multiple times. Third-party app stores offer convenience to users, particularly in countries where official app stores aren’t available. They are however, poorly monitored, making the spread of malware much easier. Typically, malicious apps pretend to be legitimate apps from well-known companies. The researchers found a total of 1,488 different applications on Google Play and more than 1,000 on Amazon Appstore. Google Play offers a safer environment, but even here although the percentage risk is lower, there are malicious apps, which can affect millions of users.
In 2015, Android malware infections totaled 9.5 million. Cheetah Mobile Security Research Lab has discovered that all third-party app stores tested contained potentially malicious applications, some of which had been downloaded multiple times. Third-party app stores offer convenience to users, particularly in countries where official app stores aren’t available. They are however, poorly monitored, making the spread of malware much easier. Typically, malicious apps pretend to be legitimate apps from well-known companies. Even official sites suffer problems. Google Play offers a safer environment, but even here although the percentage risk is lower, there are malicious apps, which can affect millions of users.