Smartphone Software

RecDroid: Smartphone Security

A method employing crowdsourcing techniques

The technology

With the number of mobile apps developed within the past few years reaching well over 1 million and the average user downloading approximately 26 apps/month, there is a need to produce a security system to accurately measure mobile app legitimacy to ensure safety with each download. Researchers at VCU have produced such a system to recommend safety features for mobile apps by crowdsourcing information from expert and non-expert users. Expertise level of users is continuously evaluated by a unique voting algorithm, which is expected to lead to an increased network of trusted expert reviewers. Users will be able to maintain security control of each third party downloadable app by choosing settings based on recommendations.

A diagram showing the unique voting algorithm for response rating