Google has just been forbidden to do it on your Android

The giant of technology made the announcement after the discovery of a major security violation.


Whether we notice or not, the smartphones we bring in our pockets are constantly changing. In most cases, it is simply the result of technology companies adding new features or correcting aPotential security vulnerability. But from time to time, it can also involveDelete something from your device for real. Read what Google has just banned Android devices.

RELATED:If you have an Android, you will be forbidden to do it today.

Google has prohibited dozens of applications that secretly harvest user data.

A young man using an Android phone in a coffee shop
Shutterstock

On March 25,Google prohibits dozens of applications Since its Google Play download store, making it impossible for Android users to download them in the future. The technology giant has shot the software after being alerted to a survey that found that a company involved in the application development used the harvesting programs secretly data from the users,Wall Street's Journal first reported.

Applications running the hidden code stealing location data, email addresses, phone numbers etc.

a hacker doxing someone online
Shutterstock

Depending on the research, a company based in Panama called Measurement Systems S. de R.L. was responsible for drafting malicious code and pay developers around the world.Include it in their applications As part of what is called a Software Development Kit (SDK). Once users have downloaded the executed applications, the company that has links with virginia-based cyber intercelelligence and intelligence - has been able to collect personal data scores, including information about the exact location. , Personal data, including email addresses and phone numbers, and even information on other nearby devices on the same network.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Although applicable developers use such data collection methods to generate additional revenues on their products from third parties, the survey revealed that the measurement systems techniques were much more invasive than Standard. Researchers estimate that at least 60 million devices can have downloaded the now banned programs that secretly stole information.

"This saga continues to emphasize the importance of not accepting foreigners candies",Serge Egelman, one of the investigators and a researcher at the International Informatique Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, told theThe Wall Street newspaper. He added that affected applications could "be described without a doubt as malware".

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Many types of programs have been affected, including QR code scanners, meteorological applications and Muslim prayer applications.

Holding an Android cellphone
Ymgerman / Shutterstock

According to the investigation, aWide range of applications Which perform different functions used SDK measurement systems, including a variety of Muslim prayer applications that had been collectively downloaded by Android users more than 10 million times. It has also been hidden in a QR code scanner, a motorway speed camera detection application, weather applications and a remote wifi mouse application,Buttocks reports.

The company has stopped collecting data, but all downloaded applications always contain the hidden code.

senior man using smart phone while sitting on sofa
iStock

The survey concluded that any device that always has one of the affected applications has been downloaded could have mined data. However, the researchers found that the measurement systems seemed to stop collecting data once their conclusions had been public,Wall Street's Journal reported.

Google said it removed the relevant applications of its Google Play store after the investigators shared their findings with the company and it became clear that the software has made data collection rules. However, developers could reapply to have their applications returned to the store after removing SDK measurement systems from their coding,Scott Western, a spokesman for Google, says Wall Street's Journal , with some programs previously prohibited already restored from April 7th.

RELATED: Apple has just published this major warning for all iPhone and iPad users .


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