Google Play Store
EU fines Google $1 billion for search, app store antitrust violations
The European Commission fined Google €890 million ($1 billion) on Thursday after finding the company had violated the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which ensures fair online competition. Google was designated a gatekeeper for Google Search in September 2023, with non-compliance investigations opened in March 2024. On Thursday, the Commission said the company favored its own services on […]
Cellik Android malware builds malicious versions from Google Play apps
A new Android malware-as-a-service (MaaS) named Cellik is being advertised on underground cybercrime forums offering a robust set of capabilities that include the option to embed it in any app available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, attackers can select apps from Android’s official app store and create trojanized versions that appear trustworthy and keep the […]
Google backpedals on new Android developer registration rules
Google is backpedaling on its decision to introduce new identity verification rules for all developers, stating that it will also introduce accounts for limited app distribution and will allow users to install apps from unverified devs. As announced in August, Google was planning to introduce what it called “Developer Verification” starting in 2026 to block malware […]
Google removes Kaspersky’s antivirus software from Play Store
Over the weekend, Google removed Kaspersky’s Android security apps from the Google Play store and disabled the Russian company’s developer accounts. Users have been reporting over the last week that Kaspersky’s products (including Kaspersky Endpoint Security and VPN & Antivirus by Kaspersky) are no longer available on Google Play in the United States and other world regions. Kaspersky confirmed the issue on the company’s official forums on […]
New Android malware ‘Necro’ infects 11 million devices via Google Play
A new version of the Necro malware loader for Android was installed on 11 million devices through Google Play in malicious SDK supply chain attacks. This new version of the Necro Trojan was installed through malicious advertising software development kits (SDK) used by legitimate apps, Android game mods, and modified versions of popular software, such as Spotify, […]