Trend Micro and Androider enhance application developer support system

Japanese Android application review and information website Androider.JP, recently announced that it is working with Trend Micro, the global leader in cloud security, to integrate the company’s Mobile App Reputation Solution to pre-screen applications for irregularities and security problems. This will increase the overall quality of applications available through the site helping to prevent the spread of illegitimate applications. 

In the recent security report roundup for the third quarter of 2012, Trend Micro found that high-risk and malicious applications targeting users of Google’s Android platform increased from nearly 30,000 in June to almost 175,000 in September. In response to this escalating number, Androider has intensified its efforts to prevent the spread of dangerous applications. 

In order for an application to be released as certified and safe via the Androider website, it must pass Androider's proprietary security check which includes verification by Trend Micro. In the event a developer registers a faulty or malicious application with the service, the developer will receive feedback and have the opportunity to correct any issues before the application is released to the public. 

Trend Micro's mobile application evaluation system independently collects, scans and rates more than 10,000 mobile applications in a single day.  Each application is subject to an automatic rating and analysis system. These applications are evaluated in three areas: malware and security risks, privacy risks, and system resource consumption. The information gathered by this system is used by the Android phone security software Trend Micro Mobile Security.

Currently, both companies are working towards a screening process aimed at evaluating not only irregularities and security faults, but also the treatment of personal information by applications, the consumption of system resources, and other related issues. Through this partnership, Androider and Trend Micro hope to eliminate a wide range of concerns for both developers and users.

“We are dedicated to providing developers and users with the safest and most secure way to create and obtain applications for their Android devices. By integrating Trend Micro’s Mobile App Reputation Solution, we’re taking one step further in preventing the spread of malicious applications,” said Takeshi Ikeda CEO, Androider & Co. 

“All mobile ecosystems and devices are increasingly at risk from threats. The fact that the Android ecosystem allows users to install apps from independent sources means that businesses who offer these download services have a duty of care to ensure their product is as risk free as possible. Androider is leading the way in providing a safe and trustworthy service to users, and we are very proud to be supporting efforts to keep mobile users safe and happy,” said Eva Chen, Founder and CEO, Trend Micro. 

Following the system below, only safe Android applications will be introduced to the users of Androider. 

Developer background checks:

Users can see the profiles of application developers which discourages the participation of developers who intentionally produce harmful applications. 

Proprietary security checks:

Androider conducts comprehensive security checks and evaluations, including testing by Trend Micro Mobile Application Reputation Service. After thorough automated security checks each application is finally vetted by a researcher. 

Requirements for certification as a safe and fun Android application:

Developed by a certified developer.

Pass Androider's proprietary security check.

Recommended by registered users. 

Once all three conditions are met, the developer will receive official authorization that the application has been certified by Androider and the application will be introduced to users via the website.