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
Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria
Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria

Amid a rash of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, an Anglican priest in Nigeria abducted along with his wife and daughter has died in captivity, leaders of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion announced on Wednesday.

Sudanese refugee threatened to stab preacher at London’s Speakers’ Corner
Sudanese refugee threatened to stab preacher at London’s Speakers’ Corner

A Sudanese refugee threatened to stab a Christian street preacher at Speakers' Corner in London earlier this year, a court has heard. 

Tribunal upholds new safeguarding complaint against David Tudor
Tribunal upholds new safeguarding complaint against David Tudor

A new complaint against disgraced priest David Tudor has been upheld by a Southwark Diocese tribunal. 

Christians to celebrate ‘the beautiful game’ at Wembley
Christians to celebrate ‘the beautiful game’ at Wembley

The event is part of the Football Association’s strategy to use ‘the beautiful game’ to bring communities together.