5 Ideas to make sure the app you are downloading is spam free

Though Google is playing an exceptional role to keep Malware, spam, and viruses out of the Play Store, malicious Apps are often downloaded millions of times before the problem can be detected and fixed.

Heaps of apps are downloaded on a daily basis. Whether it’s a need or a recommendation, not every user takes time out to check each and every app for malware or virus before installing it. However, keeping in mind the threat it poses to our vulnerable devices, it is essential to know how you can avoid becoming a victim of malicious software.

If you came here looking for information about how you can differentiate a reliable app from a bad one, you aren’t going be disappointed with what we have to offer.

Do some apps really have spam?

The short and direct answer is: Yes!

And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Your smartphones and tablets can get viruses and other different forms of malware. This becomes a more significant threat when you inadvertently download untrustworthy apps.

There are different types of malware, each capable of damaging your device in one way or the other. For example, malicious malware apps could flood your device with frustrating pop-ups and unwanted advertisements. In worse cases, it can even compromise on the personal data stored on your phone or tablet.

Some malware apps can access the stored information and misuse your data in various ways, including:

• Stealing sensitive photos
• Stealing contacts
• Saving your passwords
• Reading your private messages
• Locating you through location tracker
• Abusing your bank account etc.

5 Tips to make sure your app is spam free

Malware or viruses are not a trivial matter, and this is why you need to consider the following things before installing an app on your device.

Avoid third-party app stores

Hundreds of apps are added to the Play Store on a daily basis. There’s no guarantee that all the apps you find on the store are trustworthy and of high quality. Not all of them are created equal, and thus, there’s always a risk of downloading apps infected with malware.

Steer clear of third-party apps store. Of course, there are many available out there, including Amazon Appstore, which appear quite legit and a thrifty alternative to the real Google Play.

With discounted and free apps, people do feel the need to venture outside of Google Play to find the best possible deal. However, be wary of situations that are too good to be true because they often aren’t!

In fact, opting for a third-party app store is a surefire way to increase the risk of downloading content that’s not spam-free.

Check for scams and fake apps

Doing a little research before you hit that tiny download button can save you from installing risky apps. With a bit of knowledge and a keen eye, you too can learn the invaluable skill of recognizing app scams.

Apps available on the third-party app stores also try to make their way into Google Play. The following factors are a few things you need to pay close attention to:

• Developer: Find out the developer of the app. The famous ones will instantly click in your mind while others can be verified on Google. You can search and look for the developer’s website to get more information.
• Downloads: Naturally, apps with more downloads seem more legit. All the important and famous applications have download numbers in millions. Use that as a standard!
• Publishing date: Check for the publishing date as well as for the ‘updated on’ date. This will give you a clearer idea of whether an app is legit or fake.

Check for errors

Do not ignore the importance of content. If you are not sure about a particular app, check its description and details on the app store. Legit developers are particularly very vigilant about their app description – after all, that’s what introduces their work and helps download it.

If you can notice several grammar or spelling errors, it’s a telltale sign that the app is fake. Fake apps are often created quickly, and spammers rarely take time out to improve their writing skills.

Great discounts

Try to steer clear of anything on the app store that has too many offers. Sometimes, even the most legit appearing applications – especially with a massive number of downloads – can be fake. This is mainly because they offer incredible deals and trick people into downloading.

It’s best if you look into the details first and see if something sounds exceptionally perfect. See it as a warning sign and avoid digging any deeper.

Check app permissions

Do you ever bother reading the list of app permissions to find out the exact functions and information the app can access on your device?

Probably not, right?

This is indeed one of the best ways to find out the authenticity of the app, and we tend to skip it. Find out if the app suspiciously requests permission to access information that is not related to its intended purpose. Photo fixing applications may require access to your gallery, but a game that has nothing to do with your photos shouldn’t ask to read your private, sensitive log data.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand Android app permissions to keep your app downloading spam-free.

Bottom Line

Malware is both daunting and risky, and the best way to prevent downloading one onto your device is to keep an eye for suspicious apps. You can even check reliable spam blocker apps, such as Airg Spam, to get the work done.

Also, a little knowledge can be quite powerful. So, make sure you install apps more responsibly to stay safe and smart.

Author Bio

Andrea Bell is a blogger by choice.  She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs.

Find her on Twitter:@IM_AndreaBell