In 2018, potentially harmful app (PHAs) install rates from Google play increased to 0.04 percent, up from 0.02 in 2017. According to the source, this is largely due to the inclusion of click fraud as a PHA category. In total, 0.92 percent of app installs outside of Google Play were PHAs, down from 3.32 percent in 2016.
Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment
According to the source, "Potentially Harmful Applications (PHAs) are apps that could put users, user data, or devices at risk. Common PHA categories include trojans, spyware, and phishing apps. In 2018, we started tracking click fraud as a PHA category. Click fraud apps simulate clicks on advertisements without user consent."
User-wanted PHAs
"Some apps with attractive features also weaken Android’s built-in security. When users try to install these apps, Google Play Protect warns users about potential hazards so that they can make informed decisions. Our statistics separate these from classic “malware” PHAs. For example, Google Play Protect warns users about apps that disable Android security features, such as SELinux, or root the device with disclosure and user consent. Google Play Protect discourages changes that lower Android’s built-in security protections, but allows individuals to choose the risks that they are willing to take with their devices."
Before 2018 click fraud wasn’t considered a PHA and was treated only as a Google Play policy violation.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Android. (April 1, 2019). Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved September 01, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/
Android. "Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment." Chart. April 1, 2019. Statista. Accessed September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/
Android. (2019). Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: September 01, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/
Android. "Percentage of Potentially Harmful App (Pha) Installs on Android Devices from 2016 to 2018, by Market Segment." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 Apr 2019, https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/
Android, Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/ (last visited September 01, 2024)
Percentage of potentially harmful app (PHA) installs on Android devices from 2016 to 2018, by market segment [Graph], Android, April 1, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/199712/app-pha-installs-market-segment-mobile/