Some Apps Come Loaded With Malware

The British government conducted a review into the app store ecosystem from December 2020 to March 2022 which found that malicious and poorly developed apps continue to be accessible to users - clear evidence that some developers are not following best practice when creating apps. 

Now, a new UK Report by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned of the threats posed by malicious apps and is asking the IT sector to address the security problems in app stores used by millions of customers.

“Over the last decade there has been an enormous increase in the availability and use of smartphones and smart devices... Many of these devices feature application stores 'app stores', which allow users to download additional applications and content. The vast majority of users, particularly on mobile platforms, download apps via these app stores,” says the NCSC  Report.

All app stores share a common threat profile with malware contained within apps the most prevalent risk. Additionally, prominent app store operators are not adequately signposting app requirements to developers and providing detailed feedback if an app or update is rejected.

While most people will be familiar with apps downloaded on to smartphones, devices from smart TVs to smart speakers now also have them. The UK Government is discussing new guidelines on security and privacy for apps and app stores. 

  • The British government survey found that Android phone users downloaded apps which contained the Triada and Escobar malware from various third-party app stores. "This resulted in cyber-criminals remotely taking control of people's phones and stealing their data and money by signing them up for premium subscription services," it said. 
  • The NCSC's report noted that apps "can also be installed on laptops, computers, games consoles, wearable devices (such as smartwatches or fitness trackers), smart TVs, smart speakers (such as Alexa devices), and IoT (Internet of Things) devices".

The NCSC report an example of a security company demonstrating how it can build a threatening app for a popular tracker from a fitness firm, that could be downloaded from a link using the company's web address to seem legitimate. The app contained "spyware/stalkerware capable of stealing everything from location and personal body data".

The NCSC report noted that the appetite for apps had grown during the pandemic, with the UK app market  worth £18.6bn ($23.2bn).

The NCSC reinforces the government proposals to ask app stores to commit to a new code of practice setting out minimum security and privacy requirements. "Developers and store operators making apps available to UK users would be covered. This includes Apple, Google, Amazon, Huawei, Microsoft and Samsung," the government said. 

A proposed code of practice would require stores to set up processes so that security flaws can be found and fixed more quickly. App stores for smartphones, games consoles, TVs and other smart devices could be required comply with a new code of practice setting out baseline security and privacy requirements. 

They would need to share more security and privacy information in an accessible way, including why an app needs access to a user’s contacts and location. 

NCSC:      Gov.UK:         BBC:       Silicon:      Computer Weekly:   

You Might Also Read: 

Mobile Cyber Attacks: The Different Facets Of Smartphone Malware:

 

« The Cyber Security Investment Boom Continues
Wanted: Access To Social Media Data »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

TÜV SÜD Academy UK

TÜV SÜD Academy UK

TÜV SÜD offers expert-led cybersecurity training to help organisations safeguard their operations and data.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

King & Spalding

King & Spalding

King & Spalding is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Practice areas include Data, Privacy & Security.

Westminster eForum

Westminster eForum

Wesrtminster eForum runs a series of conferences on matters relating to the UKs Digital Strategy. Topics include Smart Cities and Cyber Security.

CyberArrow

CyberArrow

CyberArrow (formerly EBDAA) is a consultancy company providing high quality consultancy services in Risk & Compliance and Awareness & Education.

FTAPI Software

FTAPI Software

FTAPI SecuTransfer is a software solution for end-to-end encrypted data exchange of large and sensitive data with customers and partners.

Office of the National Security Council (UVNS) - Croatia

Office of the National Security Council (UVNS) - Croatia

UVNS coordinates, harmonizes the adoption and controls the implementation of information security measures and standards in the Republic of Croatia.

GAVS Technologies

GAVS Technologies

GAVS is a global IT services provider with focus on AI-led Managed Services and Digital Transformation.

Noetic Cyber

Noetic Cyber

Noetic provides a proactive approach to cyber asset and controls management, empowering security teams to see, understand, and optimize their cybersecurity posture.

Sourcepass

Sourcepass

Sourcepass is an IT consulting company that focuses on providing expert IT services, cloud computing solutions, cybersecurity services, website, and application development.

SLVA Cybersecurity

SLVA Cybersecurity

SLVA Cybersecurity excel at delivering security-as-a-service, fit-for-purpose, within the constraints of realistic budgets and business expectations.

Nuance Communications

Nuance Communications

From revolutionizing the doctor-patient relationship to reinventing the way brands connect with their customers, Nuance technology helps organizations push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Semgrep

Semgrep

Semgrep is a fast, open-source, static analysis tool for profoundly improving software security and reliability.

Career Smarter

Career Smarter

Career Smarter offers accredited online courses in cybersecurity and other sectors, helping learners gain industry-recognised certifications.

CommScope

CommScope

CommScope is pushing the boundaries of technology to create the world’s most advanced wired and wireless networks.

Basalt

Basalt

Basalt provide qualified consulting services in information security, personnel security and physical security.

Attaxion

Attaxion

Attaxion is an External Attack Surface Management (EASM) Platform. We offer attack surface management solutions with #1 asset coverage and laser-focused, actionable intelligence.

SecureCo

SecureCo

SecureCo supports some of the most demanding cyber practitioners in the world, offering defense-in-depth cybersecurity to support API protection and data transport assurance.