Google launches Bouncer to throw-out malicious apps

Google has launched a new security tool dubbed Bouncer, which will supposedly rid of malicious apps in the Android Market.

The service, Google explains, constantly scans apps – both new and existing – removing any that could potentially harm users or compromise data. Bouncer will also check developer accounts for suspicious applications, and Google promises that repeat offenders will be ‘thrown out’.

Since the app has been in operation, the search-engine giant malware levels have gone down. Specific figures are yet to be confirmed, although it’s thought that the number has stooped by 40 percent.

“Bouncer [provides] automated scanning of Android Market for potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience of Android Market or requiring developers to go through an application approval process,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s VP of engineering for Android.

“While it’s not possible to prevent bad people from building malware, the most important measurement is whether those bad applications are being installed from Android Market—and we know the rate is declining significantly.”