AI breakthrough helps detect hidden apps on smartphones
Vault apps allow users to store files, messages, or even other apps behind layers of encryption. PHOTO:PEXELS
Listen to article
Researchers in Australia have developed a powerful new technique to uncover hidden "vault" apps on smartphones — a discovery that could aid law enforcement in digital investigations.
The study, conducted by Edith Cowan University and the University of Southern Queensland, found that machine learning (ML) can identify vault apps with up to 98% accuracy on Android devices.
Vault apps allow users to store files, messages, or even other apps behind layers of encryption. While often used for privacy, they have increasingly been linked to illicit activities, including espionage and unauthorised surveillance.
'These apps can mimic normal ones, making them very difficult to detect,' said Associate Professor Mike Johnstone from ECU. 'Current detection tools rely on prior knowledge of suspicious apps, which limits their usefulness.'
By contrast, the new machine learning approach can identify vault apps without needing a pre-existing list or database.
The breakthrough could offer a valuable tool for police and security agencies, particularly as smartphones become more integral to modern life, with over 5 billion users worldwide.
'Given how common smartphones are, any non-invasive and accurate method for identifying these hidden apps could be a game-changer,' said Professor Johnstone.
The team now plans to expand the research to include more algorithms, a wider dataset, and tests on non-Android devices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Express Tribune
AI breakthrough helps detect hidden apps on smartphones
Vault apps allow users to store files, messages, or even other apps behind layers of encryption. PHOTO:PEXELS Listen to article Researchers in Australia have developed a powerful new technique to uncover hidden "vault" apps on smartphones — a discovery that could aid law enforcement in digital investigations. The study, conducted by Edith Cowan University and the University of Southern Queensland, found that machine learning (ML) can identify vault apps with up to 98% accuracy on Android devices. Vault apps allow users to store files, messages, or even other apps behind layers of encryption. While often used for privacy, they have increasingly been linked to illicit activities, including espionage and unauthorised surveillance. 'These apps can mimic normal ones, making them very difficult to detect,' said Associate Professor Mike Johnstone from ECU. 'Current detection tools rely on prior knowledge of suspicious apps, which limits their usefulness.' By contrast, the new machine learning approach can identify vault apps without needing a pre-existing list or database. The breakthrough could offer a valuable tool for police and security agencies, particularly as smartphones become more integral to modern life, with over 5 billion users worldwide. 'Given how common smartphones are, any non-invasive and accurate method for identifying these hidden apps could be a game-changer,' said Professor Johnstone. The team now plans to expand the research to include more algorithms, a wider dataset, and tests on non-Android devices.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Versailles statues now talk to visitors in AI-powered experience
Curious visitors can delve into Versailles' rich history by scanning a QR code next to one of some 20 garden statues -- triggering interactive conversations in French, English, or Visitors to France's famed Palace of Versailles can now strike up a conversation with talking statues instead of listening to a traditional audio guide, as part of a new collaboration with artificial intelligence companies, the palace has said. Versailles late Monday announced a partnership with US-based OpenAI and French start-up Ask Mona to bring a modern AI touch to the iconic 17th-century palace. Curious visitors can delve into Versailles' rich history by scanning a QR code next to one of some 20 garden statues -- triggering interactive conversations in French, English, or Spanish. "The Palace of Versailles is now testing artificial intelligence, whose tremendous capabilities will greatly enrich the visitor experience," said the museum's president, Christophe Leribault. The heritage site welcomes some eight million visitors annually, with OpenAI and Ask Mona saying it was a golden opportunity to showcase their technology in a world-famous location. "Whether you're a heritage expert, a museum curator, or a visitor setting foot in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles for the first time, there's something for everyone," said Julie Lavet, OpenAI's head of European partnerships. And Ask Mona's president said this partnership is a chance to highlight AI's lesser explored applications. "Often, when we think of artificial intelligence, we think of it in terms of productivity, but here, it's really artificial intelligence that is a lever for curiosity," said Marion Carre.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
T-Mobile to launch Starlink-powered satellite service in July
T-Mobile's satellite messaging service, developed in partnership with SpaceX's Starlink, will officially launch to the public on 23 July 2025, following several months of beta testing. The service, announced as "T-Satellite," will initially offer basic text messaging features, with plans to expand into data later in the year. Initially announced in February, T-Satellite will be included at no additional cost for customers subscribed to the 'Experience Beyond' plan, while others will be able to access it for $10 per month. The service will be available across the United States and is not limited to existing T-Mobile subscribers. At launch, users will be able to send SMS messages via both Android and iOS platforms, with support for MMS available on Android devices. According to T-Mobile, MMS functionality for iOS will be introduced at a later date. Further enhancements are expected from 1 October, when the service will begin supporting satellite-based data. However, the initial rollout will be limited to select applications. T-Mobile has named AllTrails, Accuweather, and WhatsApp among the apps likely to support the feature, though no specific commitments have been confirmed. Apple and Google are also listed as partners, but without further detail regarding integration. T-Mobile's satellite strategy contrasts with those of its major competitors. Both Verizon and AT&T have teamed up with AST SpaceMobile to develop satellite-enabled mobile services. 🇺🇸 T-Mobile's Cellular @Starlink To Launch July 23, Will Add Data Support from October 1 🛰️📲 At launch, T-Satellite will also support MMS messages, meaning users will be able to send images and audio clips in addition to the standard text messages. source: PC Mag — Brian Basson (@BassonBrain) June 24, 2025 Earlier this year, the two carriers demonstrated direct satellite-to-device voice calling, though only Verizon has introduced limited messaging capabilities to select Android devices. Regulatory tension has accompanied the rollout. Verizon and AT&T have expressed concerns over the T-Mobile and Starlink collaboration, alleging that its approach to satellite deployment could interfere with their own initiatives. Nonetheless, the partnership between T-Mobile and SpaceX appears to be progressing without delay. The launch of T-Satellite marks a notable step in the broader industry shift towards satellite-based connectivity, as operators seek to extend network coverage to remote and underserved areas. While full-scale satellite data usage remains on the horizon, T-Mobile's entry into the sector underscores the growing competition and technical complexity in next-generation mobile communications.
