Beware of Fake Apps!
There are so many apps, short for applications, to choose from for your smartphone or tablet. Whether they are free or not you can install them on your mobile devices to enhance your mobile device experience. Apps can be games (Angry Birds), your social media (Twitter), programs you download to remotely access your finances (Mobile Banking), GPS navigation, news feeds, etc. Cyber criminals have adopted a new tactic, infecting victims by using fake apps, or imitation copies of legitimate and successful apps.
Installing apps on your mobile device is easy to do. This sounds great for people on-the-go. However, installing fake apps with malicious content is just as easy. When you download a fake app, it could then infect the device. The effects of a fake app on a mobile device could be, slowing the device down, disabling programs, render the device completely unusable, installing a variety of advertising components, bothersome unnecessary popup ads, and potentially leaking personal information.
The dangers of fake and malicious apps can be avoided by simply doing some researching on the app. Such a search would reveal indications that this app is not legitimate.
Avoid downloading apps from third parties or rouge web sites, and only download apps directly from your provider.
Android apps - Google Play Store.
iPhone apps - Apple App Store.
Amazon App Store is a legitimate app web site, but beyond that be very leery of any other third party web sites.
Install a security app, which will notify you anytime you attempt to install an app known to be malicious. Security apps are available from well-known providers, below is a list of potential apps:
· Lookout Mobile Security
· AVG Mobile Security
· Kaspersky Mobile Security
· McAfee WaveSecure
· BullGuard Mobile Security
Check the reviews from users of the app, positive or negative comments can be an indicator of a fake app. Also be helpful to others and post your comments about your experiences with apps your have used.
Verify the publisher and ensure that you only purchase apps directly from the actual publishers. A simple web search with Google or in one of the app stores will provide the true publisher of the app.
