Android users in Singapore tried to install unverified apps nearly 900,000 times in past 6 months
These attempts were blocked by an enhanced security feature that was rolled out by Google in February, amid a spike in malware-enabled scams.
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
SINGAPORE: Despite efforts by the authorities and private sector, Android users in Singapore still made nearly 900,000 attempts to install high-risk apps that could have led to their devices being infected with malware, said tech giant Google on Thursday (Aug 15).
These attempts were blocked by a security feature rolled out by Google six months ago as part of a trial to better protect users against malware scams, which led to at least S$34.1 million (US$25.8 million) in losses last year with about 1,900 cases reported.
Singapore is the first nation to have fully rolled out the feature, which automatically blocks Android users from installing apps from unverified sources. It was developed in partnership with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.
The number of malware-enabled scam cases in the country has since drastically fallen to 95 in the first half of this year.
However, even with this added layer of security, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam noted the high number of attempts by Android users to sideload more than 11,000 unique high-risk apps on over 200,000 devices.
These apps came from sideloaded sources like web browsers, messaging apps, and file managers.
“Users need to play their part to protect themselves too,” Madam Rahayu added in her opening remarks at the Safer with Google event on Thursday.
On its part, the ministry is still in the process of developing a Code of Practice for app stores to deal with harmful content within programmes.
Some additional requirements are introducing age verification and identity documentation to protect children online.
Mdm Rahayu noted how public-private sector partnerships “allow us to develop innovative solutions” to tackle scams and other online harms.
“The importance of building up preventive measures against scams and fraud cannot be understated, and we see the fight against scams as one of our top priorities,” she added.
NEW US$2M GRANT, VERIFIED GOVT APPS
Google Singapore managing director Ben King said: “The reality is that financial fraud has seen incredible increases across this country in the last 12, 18, 24 months. On top of that, we have a very significant Android user base in this country.
“It’s very clear that we need to think about this problem in a long-term fashion, (and) have a long-term strategy on how we are going to meet these challenges,” he added.
To that end, Google announced several other measures to combat scams in Singapore, including a US$2 million grant – its largest to a Singaporean social impact organisation.
It will support local social enterprise Bamboo Builders to launch the SG ScamWISE programme, which aims to educate 100,000 underserved youths and seniors on how to avoid scams and online threats by 2026.
Bamboo Builders will partner the Tech for Good Institute to conduct research on scams in Singapore and across the wider Southeast Asian region.
To prevent impersonation attempts, Google will require official government apps in the Google Play Store to be verified with a unique “government” badge, such as Singpass and HealthHub SG.
Google also signed an agreement with the Singapore University of Social Sciences to develop more online safety experts through a first-of-its-kind Trust and Safety professional programme in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr King noted: “I am delighted with the progress we are making in jointly combating the ever-growing challenge of online safety, but this effort remains ongoing, as bad actors continuously evolve their tactics.
“The rise of AI adoption in Singapore, with half of the population using generative AI tools, introduces new risks, such as sophisticated malware and convincing deepfakes,” he added.
