This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
On November 13, 2019, Google announced a new security measure in partnership with ESET, a global internet security company, to protect billions of consumers and businesses.
As part of this initiative, Google Play Store users will now be able to identify potentially harmful and unwanted apps before they are listed on the store.
This proactive approach marks a significant shift from the previous reactive efforts to isolate security vulnerabilities.
ESET, with its regional headquarters in Nairobi, has a strong presence in East Africa and has gained prominence as a cybersecurity leader in threat research.
The company has previously uncovered malicious apps in Google Play Store, including banking trojans, spyware, and ransomware.
Just a week prior to this announcement, ESET Kenya held a government breakfast to underscore the importance of Cyber Resilience and Incident Response, attended by Slovakian Ambassador H.E. Frantisek Dlhopolcek and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Ababu Namwamba, among other stakeholders.
According to Dave Kleidenmacher, head of Android security and privacy at Google, “For years, Google has worked extensively with members of the cybersecurity community to protect both businesses and consumers online, and today’s news is the latest example of this collaboration.”
This innovative action by Google and ESET seems to echo Ambassador Dlhopolcek’s sentiments, highlighting the need for effective solutions to protect the internet space.
