Google is moving to require developer verification for sideloaded Android apps to increase accountability and curb abuse. Analysis shows over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than from apps on Google Play. Malicious actors often impersonate developers and use brand imagery to create convincing fake apps that target financial data and other sensitive information. Developer verification will confirm developer identities separately from app-content review, aiming to reduce anonymity-driven abuse. The change narrows a previous difference between Android and iOS by adopting a verification-focused approach to sideloading security.
But iOS is a walled garden. Apple controls what you can and can't install on your hardware.
Following recent attacks, including those targeting people's financial data on their phones, we've worked to increase developer accountability to prevent abuse, writes , VP of Product, Trust and Growth for Android.
We've seen how malicious actors hide behind anonymity to harm users by impersonating developers and using their brand image to create convincing fake apps. The scale of this threat is significant: Our recent analysis found over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play.
Think of it like an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags; we will be confirming who the developer is, not reviewing the content o
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