Google Blocked Over 2.36 Million Harmful Apps from Play Store in 2024

Google continues to strengthen its security measures, successfully blocking over 2.36 million harmful Android apps from entering the Play Store in 2024. This marks an increase from 2.28 million apps blocked in 2023 and 1.5 million in 2022, demonstrating the growing scale of threats and Google’s improved ability to combat them. Additionally, 158,000 developer accounts were banned for attempting to distribute malicious apps such as spyware and malware.

How Google Is Cracking Down on Malicious Apps

One of the key improvements in 2024 was the enhanced use of AI-assisted human reviews, which were responsible for identifying 92% of violating apps. Google stated that its AI systems now allow them to take quicker and more accurate action against harmful apps before they reach users.

Apart from outright blocking malicious apps, Google also prevented 1.3 million apps from requesting excessive permissions that could compromise user data. This effort helps safeguard sensitive information, preventing apps from gaining unnecessary access to user contacts, messages, and personal details.

Google Play Protect’s Role in Securing Devices

Google Play Protect, Android’s built-in security system, also saw major upgrades in 2024. It now scans over 200 billion apps daily, using real-time analysis to detect threats. Throughout the year, it identified over 13 million malware-infected apps that were being installed from sources outside the Play Store.

Additionally, Google expanded its untrusted APK blocking system, initially launched as a pilot in Singapore, to countries including India, Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria. This system successfully prevented 36 million installation attempts of 200,000 harmful apps from infecting 10 million Android devices.

To further enhance security, Google introduced new initiatives such as:

• A “Verified” badge for VPN apps, helping users identify safer options that have passed strict security audits.

• Expanded Play Integrity API adoption, reducing app abuse by 80%.

• More secure app development tools, including an expanded Play SDK Index that now features 80 additional trusted SDKs.

The Growing Threat of Mobile Malware

Despite these advancements, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. One major malware threat in 2024 was Tria Stealer, which targeted Android users in Malaysia and Brunei. This malware spread via Telegram and WhatsApp, stealing users’ messages, emails, and financial information.

Google emphasized that Play Protect remains the first line of defense against such threats, blocking harmful apps even when they come from outside the Play Store.

How Users Can Stay Safe

Google advises users to:

✅ Download apps only from trusted sources, preferably the Play Store.

✅ Keep Play Protect enabled to receive real-time security alerts.

✅ Review app permissions carefully before granting access to sensitive data.

✅ Avoid downloading APKs from unknown sources, as they remain a major risk factor.

As the mobile app landscape evolves, Google’s continued efforts to improve Play Store security are crucial in keeping billions of Android users safe from malicious threats.