In follow-up to a recent story on trojans and viruses found on Android Market apps, we bring you this update note from Google, regarding their app scanning programme that works on the Android app storefront: Bouncer spider is formally introduced.

Long has the Android Market been criticised for poor testing and lax approval standards. Symantec evaluated a fair percentage of apps and released their study results that outlined two trojans that have appeared on three developers’ apps.

Google has formally announced its long-standing Bouncer programme that continually scans apps placed on the Market for malware that includes known trojans, viruses and hijack software. Google explains that like any anti-virus or anti-malware programme, it scans for known viruses, just like those programmes for home PCs: It can’t scan for malware not identified.

Bouncer can and does, however, investigate software in anticipation of what the software code will cause or do. If an app’s code will cause intrusion into areas it shouldn’t logically need to be, Bouncer sequesters the app for verification.

If Bouncer sees that an app requests user permission to access SMS messaging, for example, when its basic functionality wouldn’t seem to need it, it recognises that the user must make that decision. If permission is denied, entrance into other software will be blocked, and Bouncer continues to the next app in line.

Bouncer is not downloaded onto your mobile phone or tablet; it works behind the scenes on the Android Market only. Just as on your desktop or laptop computer, be aware of what you are downloading.

Google extends its explanation of Bouncer and mobile security concerns, stating that the Android operating system sand-boxes applications: If something is wrong with an app, simply remove it from your phone, and the device itself should be undamaged.

Bouncer also track app developer behaviour, so if they simply open a new account, Bouncer identifies repeat offenders and, in essence, kicks them off the Market for good.

Microsoft reacted to the trojan list threat yesterday by offering free Nokia Windows phones. Since security and malware identification evolves with Bouncer just as your PC’s anti-virus programmes and mobile phone programmes do, Microsoft might have wasted some money, for few Android lovers switch because of a temporary issue.