Google Play Store Apps to be Scanned for Malware

Google is beefing up the way it checks if any of the apps uploaded to its Play store are malicious.

BBC reports that all new apps will be scanned by malware-spotting tools from three cyber-security firms as well as Google’s own in-house system.

Google says it needs help because the number of apps being uploaded was too large for it to handle alone.

Nasty Play apps can hit lots of people – Malicious code found in June was in apps downloaded 400 million times.

Security firms Zimperium, Eset and Lookout will partner on what Google has called the App Defense Alliance.

The four partners will set up a combined scanning system that will scrutinise apps as they pass through Google’s pipeline on the way to being offered to Android users via the Play store.