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These Aren’t The Droid (Apps) You’re Looking For
08//23
These Aren’t The Droid (Apps) You’re Looking For.
One security flaw that comes to mind on Android phones is the ability to download phony apps from the Play Store or other websites. Apps make our lives easier by saving time and making connectivity more convenient. Whether it be the cost of the device, features of a phone, or the Google system itself. 1/3 of the US population makes Android devices their primary operating system. With over 2.5 million apps available to download, no wonder it can be easy to download a harmful app accidentally. Dr.Web reported that in December of 2022, trojans and spyware had increased. Though Google has been doing a better job removing these bad apps, some may go under the radar. This post will help you determine how to find out if an Android app is harmful before downloading and the best approach to evaluate those apps.
Steps to verify Apps:
1. Check the Developer's Information
When searching for an app, check whether the developer's information appears in the Google Play Store. The developer's name, email, website, and other credible information should be visible. Do a quick Google search of the developer and verify their details. A trustworthy developer often provides complete information about themselves to earn users' trust and increase their credibility.
2. Read User Reviews and Feedback on the App
Check user feedback and reviews before installing an app on Google Play Store. Reviews usually provide valuable insights into the app's performance, reliability, and safety. It is best to avoid an app with numerous bad reviews.
3. Check the Age of the App
Check the age of the app. An app can be older than it appears to be. A trustworthy app's age usually coincides with the release date of the software version. If the app was launched years ago, but the version of the app was less than a year ago, it is best to proceed with caution.
4. Verify the Permissions Required By the App
Before installing any app, choose the apps requiring the least permissions. Most apps require simple permissions like access to your photos, contacts list, or GPS location - this is usually safe. However, if an app requests more permissions than necessary, it's important to proceed cautiously and consider what can happen if your information leaks.
5. Use Mobile Security Apps
Mobile security apps like Norton Mobile Security can scan apps to ensure they are safe to install. These apps also scan your device to check if your apps are up to date and identify threats before they can infect your device.
In conclusion, Android apps can be a fantastic experience, but it can also be risky. Before downloading an app, it is essential to take a few moments to evaluate the app to ensure that it is safe. While the steps above can help users assess whether to trust an app, they aren't an exhaustive list of options. It is recommended to use as many methods as possible when checking the safety of an app. Let's Survive Technology and have a great mobile device experience.
References:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/232786/forecast-of-andrioid-users-in-the-us/
https://news.drweb.com/show/review/?lng=en&i=14652
https://us.norton.com/products/mobile-security-for-android
One security flaw that comes to mind on Android phones is the ability to download phony apps from the Play Store or other websites. Apps make our lives easier by saving time and making connectivity more convenient. Whether it be the cost of the device, features of a phone, or the Google system itself. 1/3 of the US population makes Android devices their primary operating system. With over 2.5 million apps available to download, no wonder it can be easy to download a harmful app accidentally. Dr.Web reported that in December of 2022, trojans and spyware had increased. Though Google has been doing a better job removing these bad apps, some may go under the radar. This post will help you determine how to find out if an Android app is harmful before downloading and the best approach to evaluate those apps.
Steps to verify Apps:
1. Check the Developer's Information
When searching for an app, check whether the developer's information appears in the Google Play Store. The developer's name, email, website, and other credible information should be visible. Do a quick Google search of the developer and verify their details. A trustworthy developer often provides complete information about themselves to earn users' trust and increase their credibility.
2. Read User Reviews and Feedback on the App
Check user feedback and reviews before installing an app on Google Play Store. Reviews usually provide valuable insights into the app's performance, reliability, and safety. It is best to avoid an app with numerous bad reviews.
3. Check the Age of the App
Check the age of the app. An app can be older than it appears to be. A trustworthy app's age usually coincides with the release date of the software version. If the app was launched years ago, but the version of the app was less than a year ago, it is best to proceed with caution.
4. Verify the Permissions Required By the App
Before installing any app, choose the apps requiring the least permissions. Most apps require simple permissions like access to your photos, contacts list, or GPS location - this is usually safe. However, if an app requests more permissions than necessary, it's important to proceed cautiously and consider what can happen if your information leaks.
5. Use Mobile Security Apps
Mobile security apps like Norton Mobile Security can scan apps to ensure they are safe to install. These apps also scan your device to check if your apps are up to date and identify threats before they can infect your device.
In conclusion, Android apps can be a fantastic experience, but it can also be risky. Before downloading an app, it is essential to take a few moments to evaluate the app to ensure that it is safe. While the steps above can help users assess whether to trust an app, they aren't an exhaustive list of options. It is recommended to use as many methods as possible when checking the safety of an app. Let's Survive Technology and have a great mobile device experience.
References:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/232786/forecast-of-andrioid-users-in-the-us/
https://news.drweb.com/show/review/?lng=en&i=14652
https://us.norton.com/products/mobile-security-for-android