In order to prevent hackers from Malware sneaks into the Play StoreGoogle announced a new requirement for developers designed to reduce the likelihood of malicious apps ending up in its Android app store.
As I mentioned ComputerAndroid developers who register as an organization to put their apps on the Play Store will now be required to provide a valid DUNS number before submitting their apps for approval.
the malicious applications Those that pass Google’s security checks often appear as legitimate when submitted for review. However, after the review process is complete, the hackers behind them add malware to their apps or make the apps themselves download other malicious payloads.
While these malicious apps are then removed from the Play Store and developer accounts that submitted them are banned, it is very easy for hackers and other cybercriminals to create a new account and then submit these same dangerous apps under a new name.
Once this change takes effect, it will be very difficult for hackers to get around Google’s restrictions because they will need a valid DUNS number to submit new apps.
What is a DUNS number?
A DUNS or Data Universal Number System number is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by data and business analytics company Dun & Bradstreet. Each of these numbers is then assigned a unique action.
In order to request a DUNS number from a company, Android app developers and other companies first need to submit several documents to help verify the information they have provided. Receiving a DUNS number can also take up to 30 days which is quite a long time for an app developer interested in making money listing their app in the Google Play Store.
Although you may not have heard of DUNS before, the standard is used by the US government, the European Commission, the United Nations, and even appleAnd Because they are considered very trustworthy. Creating a new company to return to the Play Store is also a bit of a hassle that will prevent hackers and other cybercriminals from trying to distribute their malicious apps on the platform.
In addition to requiring all new developers to have a valid DUNS number, Google is also changing the “Contact Details” section of the Play Store’s app listings by renaming it to “App Support” and adding more information about each developer.
according to blog post Announcing these new changes, Google says that all new Android developers will need to provide a valid DUNS number when creating their account starting August 31st. However, later this year all existing developers will also be required to update and verify their existing accounts.
How to stay safe from Android malware
Even as Google implements these new requirements to make the Play Store safer from malware, there will still be malicious apps that can Drain your bank accountAnd steal your identity and more. Although you won’t find it on the Play Store often, hackers are likely to use it side applications to infect unsuspecting Android users with malware.
As such, you should avoid loading any application onto a file The best Android phones Although it is easy and quick to do so. Instead, you should only download new apps from official app stores like Play Store, Amazon App Store, and Samsung Galaxy Store.
despite of Google Play Protect It comes pre-installed on most Android phones to defend against malware, and you might also want to consider installing one Best antivirus apps for Android for extra protection. However, if you’re on a tight budget, Google Play Protect can scan all your existing apps and any new ones you download for malware.
At a time when many Android users are upgrading to The best iPhonesThis new requirement should help make the Play Store more secure and might make users pause before Switching from Android to iPhone.
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