Digital Trends: Mozilla Brings Firefox Focus, Its Privacy-conscious Web Browser, To Android. “When Mozilla launched Firefox Focus last year, its take on a modern iPhone web browser, it doubled down on privacy. Now, nearly half a year later, Mozilla is bringing the same security-conscious experience to devices running Android, Google’s smartphone operating system.”
Android
Ars Technica: Google Play is fighting an uphill battle against Android adware
Ars Technica: Google Play is fighting an uphill battle against Android adware. “Google’s official Play marketplace is waging an uphill battle against Android apps that display an unending stream of popup ads even when users try to force them to stop, researchers said Friday. The researchers, from UK-based SophosLabs, said they have found a total of 47 apps in the past week that collectively have racked up as many as 6 million downloads.”
The Judy Malware: Possibly the largest malware campaign found on Google Play (Check Point Blog)
Check Point Blog: The Judy Malware: Possibly the largest malware campaign found on Google Play. “Check Point researchers discovered another widespread malware campaign on Google Play, Google’s official app store. The malware, dubbed ‘Judy’, is an auto-clicking adware which was found on 41 apps developed by a Korean company. The malware uses infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it.”
Mashable: Russian regulators fine Google nearly $8 million in antitrust settlement
Mashable: Russian regulators fine Google nearly $8 million in antitrust settlement. “Google has settled its long-running court battle with the Russian search engine Yandex. The Moscow-based company had accused the search giant’s parent, Alphabet, of undermining competition by forcing phone makers to preinstall a set bundle of Google apps on Android. Per the terms of the settlement, Google must ditch those restrictions in the country. Russian antitrust regulators also fined the company $7.8 million.”
The Next Web: Google’s new app lets you order food and call a plumber in India
The Next Web: Google’s new app lets you order food and call a plumber in India. “Google has quietly launched Areo, an Android app to let you order food, as well as hyperlocal home improvement and personal services from local providers in India. Currently available in the cities of Bangalore and Mumbai, it aggregates food delivery, beauty, home maintenance, household repairs, fitness training and physiotherapy, and other services.”
Google Adds Search Shortcuts to Its Smartphone App
Google has added search shortcuts to its smartphone app. “Getting up-to-the-minute info is as easy as a single tap. With shortcuts right on the home screen, you now have access to in-depth experiences across sports, eat & drink, entertainment and weather. Need to know whether to bring a raincoat tomorrow? Want the score to last night’s basketball game? Looking for what’s on TV tonight or who’s nominated for best supporting actress? Shortcuts on Google will get you there.”
Naked Security: Researchers find 38 Android devices shipping with pre-installed malware
Naked Security: Researchers find 38 Android devices shipping with pre-installed malware. “SophosLabs cited a rising tide of Android-based attacks in its 2017 Malware Forecast last month, and the problem was further illustrated last week in a report that Windows-based malware was making its way into Android apps during development. And now researchers have discovered another security issue: devices shipping with pre-installed malware.”
