Google Bans Dozens of Apps Containing Illicit Data-Harvesting Software
Dozens of consumer-facing apps were pulled from the Google Play Store after researchers found they contained hidden code intended to stealthly collect personal user data — including email address, phone number, precise location and more.
Measurement Systems, the company behind the operation, allegedly paid developers to embed the code into their software development kits — or SDKs. In exchange for adding the illicit code to their software, the developers would be compensated monetarily and receive access to collected user data. The Panama-based company has also been linked to contractors involved in cyberintelligence operations for U.S. security agencies.
Source: Google Bans Dozens of Apps Containing Illicit Data-Harvesting Software
