Google slows Android sideloading to trip up scammers
Google’s advanced flow for Android changes how apps from unverified developers are installed, adding steps to reduce scam-driven sideloading. The feature is aimed at …
Google limits Android accessibility API to curb malware abuse
Google is restricting how Android apps can use accessibility features after years of abuse by banking Trojans and mobile malware. The changes, introduced in Android 17.2, …
Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute
Google is making changes to the Play Store after settling its legal fight with Epic Games, focusing on three areas: more billing options, lower fees with new programs for …
Android’s March 2026 security patch fixes over 100 flaws, one under targeted exploitation
The Android March 2026 security patch addresses vulnerabilities across dozens of components and includes one CVE confirmed under active exploitation. Devices running a patch …
Motorola turns to GrapheneOS for smartphone security upgrade
Motorola is strengthening smartphone security through a long-term partnership with the GrapheneOS Foundation, a mobile security nonprofit that develops a hardened operating …
Android 17 second beta expands privacy controls for contacts, SMS and local networks
Google’s second beta of Android 17 continues updates to platform behavior and introduces new APIs focused on protecting sensitive data. Protecting contact and local network …
Android app uses Bluetooth signals to detect nearby smart glasses
Smart glasses with built-in cameras are showing up in more public spaces, and a growing number of people want a way to know when one is nearby. An Android app called Nearby …
WhatsApp is adding another lock to your account
Meta has released WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.26.7.8 through the Google Play Beta Program. The update includes references to password-protected accounts, indicating plans to …
Google cleans house, bans 80,000 developer accounts from the Play Store
Google prevented more than 1.75 million policy-violating apps from being published on Google Play and banned over 80,000 developer accounts that attempted to publish harmful …
PromptSpy: First Android malware to use generative AI in its execution flow
ESET researchers have discovered PromptSpy, the first known Android malware to abuse generative AI as part of its execution flow in order to achieve persistence. This marks …
Firmware-level Android backdoor found on tablets from multiple manufacturers
A new Android backdoor embedded directly in device firmware can quietly take control of apps and harvest data, Kaspersky researchers found. The malware, named Keenadu, was …
Android 17 beta brings privacy, security, and performance changes
Google has released the first beta of Android 17, giving developers an early view of changes to core app behavior, platform tooling, performance, media handling, and …