a global pioneer in proactive protection for 25-years, have provided security tips for mobile and tablet users to spot the latest android scam (bad) apps. ESET also conveys cybercriminals always finds new tricks every month to fool phone and tablet users into downloading malware.
- Beware if an app you’re waiting on arrives early
- Cybercriminals read the news and target fake versions of apps around the release dates of real, eagerly anticipated apps.
- Beware of “free” versions of famous apps
- Sites offering “free” APKs of famous, top-selling apps can offer the same app, but modified to add other functions including adware and key loggers.
- Too good to be true? It probably is
- An app can even have a high star rating, but only because it forces users to give a high rating before downloading.
- If something pops up that seems to be a dream come true, read the reviews, and search outside of the store you are buying
- Think like you’re shopping on eBay
- Not everything on Google’s Play Store can be trusted
- It is necessary to check the ratings, developer’s details and reviews.
- Don’t be fooled by “bargain” sites
- Any site offering free APKs of popular Android titles should be regarded with extreme suspicion.
- If you stick to sites such as Google Play, Amazon’s App Store and Get Jar, you will be much safer – although “bad” apps can still sneak into those.
- Good apps can “turn bad”
- Be wary of in-app purchases – some apps use these to direct users to unsafe sites.
- Read through every app’s permissions
- If an app is requesting a huge amount of information, and it’s just a screensaver, alarm clock or photo editor, don’t install.
- Google’s “Verify Apps” can help
- In Android 4.2, it can be enabled under Settings, Security – and offers a warning if an app may harm your device
