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Print 12 comment(s) - last by tastyratz.. on Feb 7 at 9:26 AM

  (Source: androidheadlines.com)
Bouncer screens apps in the Android Market for malicious activity

Google announced a new security service yesterday codenamed "Bouncer," which aims to protect Android-powered devices.

Bouncer offers automated scanning of new applications and current applications in the Android Market as well as developer accounts. When an application is uploaded, Bouncer searches it for spyware, malware and trojans as well as indications that the app might be behaving poorly or not working correctly.

"Today we're revealing a service we've developed, codenamed Bouncer, which provides automated scanning of Android Market for potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience of Android Market or requiring developers to go through an application approval process," said the Official Google Mobile Blog.

Google also mentioned that Android possesses core features outside of Bouncer that helps prevent malware, such as sandboxing, which places virtual walls between applications and other software found on the smartphone or tablet; permissions, which offers a permission system that explains what the app does before you install it, and malware removal, which prevents malware from modifying the platform or hiding from the user.

Bouncer is meant to enhance these features and aid in the screening of applications. It has already been put to work between the first and second halves of 2011, and according to Google, there was a 40 percent decrease in the number of malicious downloads from the Android Market.

Worries over security threats have heightened over the last year especially after a series of hacks occurred in early 2011. Also, in October 2011, some popular Android HTC smartphones were found to be susceptible to a massive security vulnerability.

Source: The Official Google Mobile Blog


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Now just to remove the bloatware.
By priusone on 2/4/2012 11:17:24 AM , Rating: 5
I'm still waiting to be able to get rid of Blockbuster, Citrix, GoToMeeting, NFL Mobile (WTF!), Slacker, Skype mobile, Social Networking, Social Location, V CAST Media Manager, V CAST Music, V CAST Tones, V CAST Videos, VZ Navigator, and ZumoCast. I've never, EVER, used any of this bloatware, yet unless I take the time to root my device, it is forced upon me. Granted, V CAST Media Manager, V CAST Music, V CAST Tones, V CAST Videos, VZ Navigator might not have malicious intentions, except to take more money, why oh why make customers wish Google acted like Apple and tell the carriers to go to hell with their crapware.




RE: Now just to remove the bloatware.
By sprockkets on 2/4/2012 2:59:31 PM , Rating: 2
Google actually tried that; that was the original goal with the nexus one. The carriers told google to go **** themselves.


By theapparition on 2/6/2012 10:15:08 AM , Rating: 2
Apparently not, since Verizon launched the Galaxy Nexus, and Sprint is getting it in a few months.


RE: Now just to remove the bloatware.
By amanojaku on 2/4/2012 5:01:30 PM , Rating: 3
The feature described in the article is not part of Android. It is part of the Android Market, and basically copies what Apple has done with the App Store. It's more of a PR feature than anything else. In the two decades before app stores and mobile devices, we used to DOWNLOAD FROM TRUSTED SITES like Tucows or CNET, and READ SOFTWARE REVIEWS from other users.

What you're looking for should be part of ICS.
quote:
Don't like some of those preloaded carrier apps? Disable 'em. Android Engineer Dan Morrill mentions that, among other new features, any app can be disabled, and while it will still take up space in ROM, it won't be snatching any of your precious resources or clock cycles again if you don't want it to.
Carrier apps, tracking, and mandatory data plans are the reasons I still have a "feature" phone.


RE: Now just to remove the bloatware.
By The Raven on 2/6/2012 1:13:56 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
In the two decades before app stores and mobile devices, we used to DOWNLOAD FROM TRUSTED SITES like Tucows or CNET, and READ SOFTWARE REVIEWS from other users.
This. I don't know why people don't get this? I guess the problem is that Google tries to control things (like including 'Chrome,' Gmail, gbooks, etc.) and the carriers are right along with them. It is better than Apple, but I still don't like it. What we need is copies of Android Professional that we can get off of Newegg. Like a 'legit' google/carrier recognized version of CyanogenMod. Or just 'support' for (by allowing) 3rd party OSs.

But as far as figuring out what is malware and what is not should not be the responsibility of the OS 'caretaker'/carrier/manufacturer. It should be the owner's just like in the non-mobile world.


By tastyratz on 2/7/2012 9:26:07 AM , Rating: 2
I cant believe that google HASN'T been scanning for malicious software thus far? color me surprised. I think it SHOULD be androids responsibility to perform basic scans of uploads to their marketplace for the integrity of the marketplace. Apps outside there need not be checked... but tucows and cnet were trusted sites you knew you wouldn't likely get a virus from. Why can't Android market carry a similar expectation?

And while in a perfect world your idea is romantic, this is still business. Most people don't root, and most people have not got the slightest clue half of that crap is running.
It makes far more financial sense for a carrier to include these bloatware packages while receiving a kickback from the company. It is just like a pc - you think it's still gonna be a $400 laptop without the bloat? of course not... and if they offered it at 500 bloat free people would complain then too. Very few people would pay the extra $100.

As far as rooting and a legit rom on a phone like cyanogen? They still have to support that phone as well as many others. They take the base platform supplied to them by google and tailor it to their own needs and test their own updates. Maintaining multiple update streams for the small population willing to pay more is not economical.

Believe me, I love a rooted phone and custom roms, but I understand the consequence of hacking a phone just as much as I would not call linksys for ddwrt support or sony for kmeaw cfw questions. Part of hacking is never fearing a warranty void sticker.


RE: Now just to remove the bloatware.
By Jeffk464 on 2/6/2012 5:40:31 PM , Rating: 2
http://www.xda-developers.com/

Find the ROM that is most update for your phone and have fun. You won't see any verizon bloatware afterwards.


By priusone on 2/6/2012 6:42:13 PM , Rating: 2
I rooted my original Droid, which made it so much better. However, I currently have a Droid 3 and am waiting for ICS with stable camera drivers. Thank you for the suggestion.


Pricing?
By Kurz on 2/3/12, Rating: -1
RE: Pricing?
By Cheesew1z69 on 2/3/2012 3:01:14 PM , Rating: 2
It sounds as if it's on Google's side, so not sure cost is a factor for end user.


RE: Pricing?
By Alexstarfire on 2/3/2012 7:47:08 PM , Rating: 2
It also sounds like it's already been implemented so I'm a bit confused on why this article's headline made it sound like it's a new feature.


RE: Pricing?
By Mumrik on 2/4/2012 9:02:55 AM , Rating: 1
Oh come on. Google would never charge for something like that. They generally don't charge for software at all.


"We don't know how to make a $500 computer that's not a piece of junk." -- Apple CEO Steve Jobs











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