Digital devotions' hidden risk: Malware found on hundreds of Bible and Quran apps

Hundreds of Bible and Quran apps have been found to include malware on them, threatening the security of personal data of users, according to alphr.

 (Wycliffe.org)

A study from security company Proofpoint has found that malicious code which may enable data theft to be present in 208 Bible apps, with 140 considered at high risk. Similarly, they have found 16 Quran apps to contain the malicious code, with 38 high risk.

The volume of Bible apps available on the market is vast: included in Proofpoint's research were 5,600 digital versions of the Bible - 4,154 for Android and 1,500 for iOS. The Quran also had a large number of online versions, although significantly fewer than the Bible - 3,804 for Android and 646 for iOS.

Apple products are famed for their high levels of security and resistance to malware. This reputation is supported in the results, as no malicious code was found on any of the 2,146 digital versions of the Bible or Quran.

The apps that have been found to have malware on are yet to be named, as Proofpoint are in negotiations with the developers.

related articles
YouVersion reveals most popular verse in 2014—Romans 12.2

YouVersion reveals most popular verse in 2014—Romans 12.2

10 ways your Smartphone can help your spiritual life
10 ways your Smartphone can help your spiritual life

10 ways your Smartphone can help your spiritual life

Bible reading becomes more personal and intimate with use of new ToYouBible app
Bible reading becomes more personal and intimate with use of new ToYouBible app

Bible reading becomes more personal and intimate with use of new ToYouBible app

David Suchet: What I learned from recording the whole Bible
David Suchet: What I learned from recording the whole Bible

David Suchet: What I learned from recording the whole Bible

\'Incredible\': Holy Bible app downloaded by over 202 million smartphone users, and number is still rising
'Incredible': Holy Bible app downloaded by over 202 million smartphone users, and number is still rising

'Incredible': Holy Bible app downloaded by over 202 million smartphone users, and number is still rising

News
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."