Google Play to Make it Harder to Upload Malicious Apps

Google Play will make it more difficult to upload malicious apps to its app store from August 31. Developers will be required to provide a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) registration number for identification.
The DUNS number is a nine-digit registration number developed by the data and business analytics company Dun & Bradstreet. Companies must go through a lengthy administrative process to obtain the business identification number.
Google hopes that by identifying themselves with this new registration number when uploading apps in Google Play from August 31, it will be easier to determine reliability, especially for new developer accounts for the tech giant’s app store.

More Reliable Apps

Google wants to reduce the number of apps with malware entering its app store. Hackers often first offer an app to Google without malware, which will be added at a later stage via an update. When Google discovers this, it is difficult to pinpoint the first source.
Hackers can also easily remove their app from the app store and reintroduce it under a new name. With the requirement of a DUNS number, they have to set up a whole new company and go through the procedure again.

Contact Information Expanded

In addition to the introduction of the DUNS number, developers must also provide more information in the contact information for apps. The Contact Details tab changes to App support and should now display the company name, full office address, website URL and telephone number in addition to the existing name, email and location data of developers.
Google intends to regularly review the App support information provided. With this extra information, Google also wants to make it more difficult for hackers to upload malicious apps to Google Play.