This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
Google's Android operating system is a favorite among mobile users worldwide, prized for its flexibility and customization features. However, this openness comes at a cost: Android's security measures are often compromised, unlike its rival iOS.
As a result, Google faces a daunting task in curbing the spread of Android malware. In September alone, researchers uncovered 172 infected apps on the Play Store. The question remains: does Google Play Protect even work?
According to ESET researchers, 42 apps containing adware have been downloaded more than 8 million times since their debut in July 2018. These apps may appear harmless but act sneakily, serving full-screen ads on the device's display at random intervals.
Lukas Stefanko, a researcher at ESET, explained the adware's tactics in a detailed blog post:
