Google removes fake version of WhatsApp from Play Store
06 Feb 2018

Google has removed a fraudulent version of WhatsApp from its Play Store which was downloaded by millions of people.

The company revealed in its annual security report that the fake app was one among the 7 lakh apps that it removed in the last 12 months, as part of its Android security crackdown against fraudsters.

The fake WhatsApp was downloaded up to five million times
Details

The fake app, called Update WhatsApp, was similar to the actual WhatsApp in look and feel.

It was downloaded up to five million times before getting flagged by users on Reddit, after which Google removed the software from its Play Store in November.

The fake app had a blank icon to remain concealed from the users who have downloaded it.

Google is using machine learning to safeguard its Play Store
Motive

Even though the fraudulent app's aim was to remain hidden on a device and generate money through advertising, the technique can be used for graver purposes of spreading malware.

To curb such instances of illicit apps, Google said that it has deployed new machine learning tools that will safeguard its Play Store from fraudulent software.

Google removed 99% abusive apps before they could get installed
Fact

Product Manager for Google Play Andrew Ahn said, "99% of apps with abusive contents were identified and rejected before anyone could install them. This was made possible through significant improvements in our ability to detect abuse such as impersonation, inappropriate content, or malware."

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