As of October 2014, more than 85 billion apps have been downloaded from the Apple App Store and the number is growing higher and higher. With how many apps are downloaded it is always a good idea to stay safe while downloading. You must take precautions, learn where to download, and do your research.
Take Precautions
Before even looking for apps for you device you need to take precautions in case of any malware that gets through. You need to protect your device and stay updated.
Anti-virus and Firewall – Have an anti-virus that scans every app upon installation and when there are any updates and a firewall that blocks malware.
- Android Antivirus Apps
- iOS Antivirus Apps
- Desktop Antivirus
- Android Firewall
- Desktop Firewall
Stay Updated – Have up to date browsers and operating systems (OS). Most of the time when a browser or OS is updated there is a security update with it meant to keep your device safer.
Where to Buy and Not to Buy
Buy from Here…
Google App Store, Apple App Store, Windows Store – For all devices, use their default app store for the safest apps. Most do a screening process to try and ensure there is not malicious apps. Sometimes something slips through though.
Just in case that happens:
Report an issue to Google
Report an issue to Apple
Report an issue to Windows
Not from Here…
DarkSideLoader
The DarkSideLoader is a rogue app store for iOS phones and tablets. Originally this app store was only for Android phones and jailbroken iOS phones but has now found a way for non-jailbroken phones to download apps too. This app store lets user download apps not normally found in the other app stores and download apps that normally cost for free.
What’s the Danger?
Downloading these apps can make you lose control and access of your phone and receive unwanted installations. All of which can be very dangerous to your phone and your personal information. Here are some of the things these “rogue apps” can do to your phone:
- Operating System Access Through API Access
- Root Devices
- Install Apps Without Permission
- Communicate With Malicious Sites on Internet
- Malware Installation
Any third party app store can have these potential problems
Check if you have a rogue app on your Android device
Do Your Research
There are many things you can look for to check if an app is dangerous. While it can be so easy to read a description of an app, like how it sounds and press download you should do a little more research. Here are some things that can help you decide if an app is safe:
Reviews – Read some reviews about the app. If there is a known problem about an app it will mostly be expressed in a review of the app. You can find reviews of an app directly in the app store you are downloading from.
Developer Information – Research the developer to find out how popular they are. If the developer is hard to find information on then the chances of it being a malicious app are higher. Usually there is a link in the app store to the developer to learn more. Browse through some of the top app developers of 2016.
Permissions – A bad habit app down-loaders have developed is not reading the permissions before they hit download. Make sure read through the permissions you are agreeing to. Learn more about permissions and why apps need access to certain things.
Star Ratings – Similar to reviews, a star rating will most likely be fairly low if users experienced problems with the app. Again, this is available on the app store you are downloading from.
Download Count – If an app has a high download count the chances of it being safe are higher.
Outside Forums – Not sure about an app after research all of the above? Google the app and find what others are writing about it. Users love to post information in forums about things they love and things they hate. You could possibly find your answer in one of these forums.
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