The official Android app store is still a place where a number of malicious programs lurk.
Google Play Store continues to be the target of malware attacks. Several apps, disguised as useful tools, have actually infected more than 300,000 Android devices, allowing hackers to access essential personal information.
There are fitness trackers, QR code scanners, cryptocurrency tracking apps, and other tools. Some of them even work the way they are promoted, so that users do not suspect the existence of malicious intentions.
However, over time, these apps can be used to access huge amounts of personal data on a particular device. This includes bank account information, which means that these applications can be used to steal money from users.
ThreatFabric, a cybersecurity company, suggests that Google has restricted permissions to access Android devices in recent weeks. However, hackers quickly adapted and made their malware more sophisticated.
Instead of containing a large amount of malicious code that could be detected immediately, the malicious application is gradually seeking more and more permissions over time. Lastly, it can give the application complete control over the user’s device.
How to protect yourself from Android malware?
There are a few steps you can take to avoid accidentally installing malware on your device.
- The first is to check the reviews in the Play Store itself. A low grade or a large number of negative reviews is a clear warning. On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to exclusively positive feedback, with reviews that sound generic or as if they were created by a robot.
Multi-download applications can generally be more reliable, although this is not always the case. Also, apps without reviews don’t have to be malicious.
- It is always good to stick to well-known applications of recognized developers, whenever possible. If the developer’s name is not recognizable, research it online before downloading the application.
- For everything that has already been downloaded, go to settings and regularly check the permissions you give to certain applications.
- Be sure to download effective antivirus software, which can scan any new application that is downloaded and constantly monitor it for suspicious activity.
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