Does your Device has a FAKE APP??
Mobile devices are the number one most used gadget by any person, and mobile phone has some apps installed in it. Some are pre-installed, while you install some of them. Apps like gaming, production, entertainment, and many more, are mostly preferred ones and these only have the maximum number of FAKE APPS.
Fake apps are the apps that appear legitimate and
looks to be well functioning but actually aren’t. These are generally designed
to harm the users’ devices by stealing information, installing malware, and
even jail root your device for full control. Once you download and install
these apps, they start performing their malicious actions. Some may show you
endless advertisements to generate revenue, while some collects your
confidential information via key-logger or screen recorder.
Most of the people finds it difficult to differentiate
between real and fake apps. Even the legitimate app stores, like Google Play
Store and Apple Store may contain the fake apps.
You might be wondering that
where is safe place to download apps?
Actually, there aren’t such places which offers 100%
safe apps. There are lakhs of developers and crores of apps available online
and no one will ever ensure you full safety from these apps. Here, it becomes
your responsibility to prevent yourself and your device from these apps.
WHAT COULD A FAKE APP DO?
A fake app on the personal
device is similar to a spy in the nation’s security headquarter. A fake app can do the things that you might not think
of. From your touch sensing to the deep access of the hardware, a fake app can
do all.
* Some may access your camera, record video, take photos
and share it with the attackers.
* Some may install malware on your device which will
create a backdoor for the attacker access or may infect the devices’ data.
* Some may jail root your device and get full access of
your control and logging you out of the device, i.e., the ransomware attack.
* Some may steal your personal files, confidential
information, like card details, passwords, government documents, etc.
* Fake apps can text and call your contacts and deliver
false information.
* Your location can be easily tracked and it enables
attacker to analyze your motion.
How to Identify FAKE APPS?
Identifying the fake apps really be a heavy task but if you are well aware of the concepts, it won't be a headache then. Some of the basic tips to identify fake apps:
Check for the app description
Under the app description, you will find the name of the developer, the title of app, its features, screenshots, etc. which gives a basic idea about the app and are the first way to identify the app. Look for the title, and the developer name spelled correctly. Most of the fake developers use the name of known developers with quiet change in the name. Also consider the “blue diamond icon” given for each developer by Android. Check for the typing errors in the description or look for the screenshots that might be blur or very less in number.
Permissions
Fake app mostly ask you for the possible permissions that are not even required for the app operation. For example: an app that operates the flashlight of the mobile phone, but is asking you for the storage, camera, contacts, location, Bluetooth, and merely all other. Just think of why does it require all these permission, when it just have to operate the flashlight.
How App Permissions pose great threat to Security
Check the ratings and reviews
Always check for the rating and reviews of the user, it will give you clear idea of how does the app works, its flaws, and various other problems faced while running. Prevent downloading apps with low rating and bad reviews. Check for the publish date. A fake app will have a recent publish date, while a real one will have an “updated on” date.
Scan the app icon
App’s icon is the first thing that everyone notices
when you look around the lot of apps. Fraudsters often try to copy the popular
app’s icon to trick unsuspecting users to download the app. These image look
almost similar but if you will observe carefully, you will find the difference.
WhatsApp is a popular app in the market with a millions of users, and there are various fake apps that either claims to be the original app or any type of extension of the app, which might be for emoji for WhatsApp, wallpaper for WhatsApp, or ringtones for WhatsApp.
Beware of extra discounts
Fraudsters often offer an extra discount which forces user to download and install their fake app. Also, they might charge you very less with added benefits. They may claim you to offer a huge discount in the original app and asks you to download from a third-party website.
Download from the official store only
Never download apps from the third-party websites or
app store as they are most vulnerable. They offer the free cracked version of
the legitimate paid app, and about each of them has some malware in it. Be
aware of the fake and pirated gaming apps, video apps, etc.
Warning Signs to look for
- Fake apps might use original trademarks and symbols
- Fake apps may redirect customers to malicious websites with the purpose of stealing personal and financial information
- Fake apps will stance as security updates, and clicking on the links may also lead to your information being stolen
- If you receive an unexpected SMS, a strange alert or notification, or unusual requests from what may seem to be your bank or other familiar brand
- Be cautious of links you receive in email and text messages that might trick you into installing apps from third-party or unknown sources
I agree that there are millions of app out there, and identifying fake one out of them is like finding a needle in a haystack. But will little knowledge and awareness, you can make it possible and prevent yourself from fraud.
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