Standard permissions, such as using Bluetooth or the internet, are labeled as normal permissions by Google and given by default. These apps have been downloaded more than 2 billion times – and requesting more dangerous permissions than they apparently need. In this research, we looked at the 15 most popular free antivirus apps (all in the top 30 antivirus apps) on the Google Play store to see what kind of permissions they’re requesting. These three antivirus firms have extensive experience in researching and identifying malware, and will hopefully help Google keep dangerous apps away from billions of users worldwide.

In order to prevent malware-ridden apps from sneaking into the Play store, Google has established the App Defense Alliance in partnership with ESET, Lookout and Zimperium.

Update: Google’s new App Defense AllianceĪfter our research was published and discussed in multiple outlets including Forbes, the Daily Express and the Mirror, Google admitted to having a problem blocking apps that contain malware. At that point, you’d have to consider getting a different antivirus app. But sometimes, by denying certain permissions, the entire app may not work.

Does this app really need these dangerous permissions? Usually they don’t.

Is this app from a reputable developer? If it isn’t, you might want to choose one from a well-known brand.

Do I really need an antivirus app? For the most part, the answer is no – unless you’re installing unofficial apps or not updating your other apps or phone.

Security Master and Clean Master will launch apps automatically if you give them the right permissions.Įven though these apps have been found guilty of these malicious activities in the past, they’re still available on Google Play and amassing millions of installs every month.īecause Google has taken no action against them, we recommend users always ask the following questions before installing any app: For example, by giving Virus Cleaner permission to upload files to your system, you could be allowing it to add more malware to your device that you’ll have to pay to remove. These apps have been downloaded more than 2 billion times by users all around the world, users putting themselves and all the precious data on their phones at risk. Permissions like knowing where you are at all times, being able to use your camera, and even using your phone without your knowledge. That’s because they’re asking users to give them a lot of dangerous permissions that they don’t seem to need. But that’s not the only thing they have in common: these apps are also amazingly popular and potentially dangerous.

Security Master, Virus Cleaner, Antivirus, Cleaner (MAX Security), and Clean Master are three free antivirus apps you can find on Google Play.

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