Google Is Finally Clamping Down on Malware Apps From Play Store

Malicious apps and bugs in Android will be handled by the developers, who will be rewarded for their efforts.

Apps on Play Store could become healthier with this program. 

(Photo: iStock)

Android is plagued with malware and Google has been at pains to make it go away, once and for all.

But it looks like they’ve had enough of the detractors, which is why they’re starting up a Play Store bounty program, that serves to end maliciousness from Android for good.

The Android developer team at Google has joined hands with independent bug bounty program platform HackerOne, to enable developers to find vulnerability within the Play Store, report them to Google, and once fixed get rewarded for their effort.

We invite developers and the research community to work together with us on proactively improving the security of some of the most popular Android apps on Google Play.

Renu Chaudhary, Android Security via <a href="https://security.googleblog.com/2017/10/introducing-google-play-security-reward.html">Google Blog</a>&nbsp;

If any bug report matches to that of the program’s criteria, the developer will get $1000 as reward. 

The program called Google Play Security Reward is the latest addition to the existing repertoire of such programs that have worked diligently to fix bugs and issues on Google Chrome, stock Android running on the Pixel series, as well as improving Chrome OS regularly.

For starters, Google is keeping a close check on the number of developers who can take part in the program. But everyone gets a chance to express their interest to the team at Google, who are sure to register their name.

The program is limited to a select number of developers at this time to get initial feedback. Developers can contact their Google Play partner manager to show interest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://security.googleblog.com/2017/10/introducing-google-play-security-reward.html">Google Blog</a>

You can find more details about the program here.

It’s high time that Google prioritised cleaning up the mess that continues to hinder Android’s progress. Most experts have lauded Android for its wide availability, but the lack of quality over quantity is seen as a big reason behind the lackluster demand for Google Pixel phones last year.

This program could change the perception of apps running on Android, giving Google the impetus to push its luck against Apple in premium segment.