Invisible #Mobile #Apps Defrauding #Advertisers for Millions
 |
| adweek.com |
 |
| gizmodo.com |
The invisible ads continue to run even when the app is
closed. A single app consumed up to 2GB of data per day, draining battery life
and eating away the user’s mobile data. The apps are defrauding companies like
Microsoft, Unilever, Amazon, Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz. Over a period of 10 days,
Forensiq found 12 million devices affected globally. They estimate that mobile
device hijacking will cost advertisers more than US$857 billion in 2015.
Advertisers tricked into paying for false ads stand to lose an estimated US$480
million on Android, $363 million on iOS, and $14 million on Windows Mobile.
The mobile ads are more under-the-radar than other types of
online ad fraud. Users may see one ad on their screen, but there may be 5 or 10
in the background that are hidden. Forensiq Chief Executive David Sendroff said
that it may be difficult for companies like Google to spot these apps, even
during vetting. A lot of the code for the apps is obfuscated, so you have to
run the app to discover if something’s wrong. He added that while it’s hard to
be sure exactly how the code that generates the ads actually gets in the mobile
apps, he believes the app publishers are aware of, if not responsible for, the ads.
The ads are undetectable by antivirus and act like botnets that scam users. But
unlike botnets – which usually infect computers without their owners’ knowledge
– these apps live in trusted app stores. One way to protect yourself is to scan
app review sections for reports of unusual data or power usage that may
indicate fraud is at play.
Aaron Waterhouse
Aaron Waterhouse
Aaron is a recent English graduate from Durham University who is now working as a content writer intern. An enthusiastic traveller, he hopes to become a journalist and report from around the world. Follow him @AaronAtSMF
Invisible #Mobile #Apps Defrauding #Advertisers for Millions
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Saturday, August 01, 2015
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Saturday, August 01, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.