Zscaler highlights security trends challenging developers

Pile of keys illustrating the security trends and challenges posed to developers highlighted in Zscaler ThreatLabz's latest cybersecurity report for 2024.

Zscaler has released its annual ThreatLabz report, highlighting security challenges that should be on every developer's radar.

The 2024 Mobile, IoT, and OT Threat Report – covering June 2023 to May 2024 – highlights critical vulnerabilities in mobile applications, IoT devices, and operational technology (OT) systems that demand immediate attention from the development community.

One of the most alarming findings is the discovery of over 200 infected applications in...

15 October 2024 | Android

CMA shelves app store probes to leverage digital market powers

Signalling its intent to leverage new powers granted by the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act (DMCCA), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has closed its investigations into Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store.

The investigations – launched over concerns that both tech giants were unfairly leveraging their dominant market positions, to the detriment of UK app developers and consumers – focused primarily on rules mandating the use of proprietary...

21 August 2024 | Android

Epic Store debuts on EU iPhones

Epic Games has launched its own app store on iPhones in the EU. The launch comes in the wake of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which has compelled Apple to open its platform to third-party app marketplaces.

EU iPhone users can now access the Epic Games Store by visiting Epic's website on their devices, provided they are running iOS 17.4 or later. The store's initial offering is limited, featuring Epic's own titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe, with plans to expand...

16 August 2024 | App Stores

App Store policies spark Patreon backlash

Patreon, the platform empowering creators to build sustainable income through direct fan support, finds itself at odds with Apple over the tech giant's stringent App Store policies.

The latest dispute over App Store rules centres on Apple's requirement for all iOS app transactions to be processed through their in-app purchase system, a move that Patreon argues undermines their creator-centric philosophy.

In a statement, Patreon explained:

"Patreon exists to...

13 August 2024 | App Stores

Apple, the EU, and the threat of sideloaded applications

A huge shift has just happened in the mobile security landscape: Apple’s release of iOS 17.04 in March 2024 has allowed users to sideload apps and use third party app stores. This has largely been done in an effort to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA was introduced by the European Commission in order to help mitigate the domination of silicon valley giants – which the DMA calls “gatekeepers” – over digital markets.

Specifically, the DMA states...

13 August 2024 | App Stores

Mandrake spyware variant evades Google Play security for two years

Kaspersky researchers have uncovered a new version of the notorious Mandrake spyware, revealing advanced obfuscation techniques that allowed it to bypass Google Play's security checks and remain undetected for two years.

First identified in 2020, Mandrake has been an active Android espionage platform since at least 2016. The latest variant, detected in April 2024, showcases enhanced functionality and evasion capabilities that have raised concerns among cybersecurity...

31 July 2024 | Android

Google: Third-party stores in Play Store would cost over $61M

In the wake of Epic Games' victory against Google last December, where a jury ruled that the Google Play app store and Google Play Billing constitute illegal monopolies, the tech giant has revealed the potential costs of implementing court-ordered changes to Android.

Google estimates that integrating third-party app stores within its Play Store would cost between $61.3 million and $137 million, according to documents submitted to the court. This comes in response to Judge James...

25 June 2024 | Android

Apple updates Developer app ahead of WWDC 2024

Apple has released an update to its Apple Developer app in preparation for WWDC 2024, scheduled to commence next Monday.

The revamped Developer app will serve as the hub for 2024 session videos, 1-on-1 labs with Apple engineers and designers, and additional resources. Apple will stream the WWDC keynote event, the Platforms State of the Union, and other developer sessions throughout the week via the app.

With the update, Apple has introduced new features and enhancements...

4 June 2024 | App Stores

Microsoft to launch web-based mobile app store in July

At the Bloomberg Technology Summit, Microsoft’s President of Xbox, Sarah Bond, declared that the company is set to launch its new mobile store this July. This long-discussed move aims to establish an alternative to dominant marketplaces like the App Store and Play Store.

Unlike traditional approaches, Microsoft plans to roll out its mobile game store via the web, rather than as a native application. This strategy allows the company to circumvent restrictive app store policies...

10 May 2024 | Android

Google blocked 2M malicious apps from the Play Store in 2023

Google blocked 2.28 million policy-violating apps from being published on the Play Store in 2023, thanks to improved security measures and tighter developer vetting processes. The company rejected or had developers remediate almost 200,000 app submissions to prevent abuse of sensitive permissions like location tracking and SMS access.  

The company says providing a safe and trusted Play Store experience is its top priority, underpinned by principles to "safeguard users",...

30 April 2024 | Android