There are billions of users of smartphones, desktops, and tablets worldwide. In order for these devices to work and provide us with the features we love, they significantly rely on software apps. While there are a tonne of fantastic apps available, hackers have also created their own risky variations of mobile-friendly programmes known as harmful apps.
What precisely do fraudulent apps accomplish, and how can you avoid using them?
What Is a Malicious App?
As you might have guessed, a malicious app is a piece of software made specifically to harm the devices it is placed on.
These apps may occasionally be advertised on dubious websites, but they may also find their way onto the most well-known stores, like the Apple App Store and Google Play. These online shops make every effort to stop the spread of these harmful software, but some nevertheless manage to get through.
Despite not all malicious apps being the same, they all present a risk. Different malicious programmes are made to perform various tasks.
For instance, a malicious app may actually be a piece of spyware that is masquerading as something else. Spyware is used to keep tabs on the infected device's activity. For instance, on a smartphone, this can entail the logging of text messages, login information, images or videos that were taken, and more.
This might also be seen as a Trojan Horse. These programmes are made to look innocent, but they actually contain malicious code that can exploit devices without the consumers even being aware of it. For instance, you might download and routinely use a VPN programme that seems safe. If it's a Trojan app, it might be tracking your internet activities, recording every keystroke you make, and potentially starting up other dangerous software.
As an alternative, a malicious app might be used to install ransomware, adware, or other equally risky software on devices. Once the device has been infected, the malware might start working on the user's vulnerability by stealing personal data or posing as them.
Are All Malicious Apps Made by Hackers?
It's crucial to remember that not all dubious applications are intentionally harmful. Some are merely poorly constructed, and their security safeguards are insufficient to safeguard you and your data. Furthermore, some applications request permissions that could put you at risk even though they aren't intended to cause you damage.
For instance, a video calling software can request access to your contacts list or a photo editing app might ask for permission to view your device's gallery. Most of the time, this won't put your data at risk, but if the app is violating your privacy or isn't keeping data securely, things might quickly go wrong, especially if the app is the subject of an assault.
While some malicious apps don't get installed very often, others can quite successfully deceive users into installing them, enabling broad abuse.
How Common Are Malicious Apps?
Unfortunately, even on trustworthy platforms, fraudulent apps are quite widespread today. As the market for applications expands, fraudsters continue to profit from it more and more. What significant instances are there, and how regularly do these apps appear?
Several news organisations claimed in August 2022 that 35 malware apps may have infected millions of devices. Over two million malicious apps were downloaded from the Google Play Store due to this significant risk, which Bitdefender identified. The stated utility of these apps varied. A couple of them were photo editing programmes, while others included GPS functionality, wallpapers, and custom keyboards.
A startling 25 million Android smartphones were infected in 2019, according to an earlier report. The Verge claimed at the time that a malware strain known as "Agent Smith" had been able to compromise millions of Android devices by infecting apps and forcing the display of additional fake adverts. Fortunately, Agent Smith can be deleted from Android devices, but the fact that it infected so many devices highlights how deadly malicious programmes may be and how well they can masquerade as benign programmes.
Can harmful apps be identified or avoided if they are so prevalent? How are you going to stay safe here?
How to Steer Clear of Malicious Apps
Understanding the telltale indicators of these dangerous software programmes, starting with the download number, is the first step you should take in avoiding rogue apps.
You can usually see how many installs a specific app has received on app stores. A new app that hasn't been tried out and reviewed by many people may have an exceptionally low number of downloads if that's the case with an app you'd like to install. It would be preferable to put off installing if this were the case.
Additionally, before installing any software, you should always consider user reviews. User reviews can be quite helpful when employing services, making purchases online, and, of course, installing software. You may be dealing with something malevolent, or at least risky, if you've found that many users are complaining about how slowly an app runs, strange permission requests, or something similar.
Additionally, before downloading any apps, it's a good idea to do some research on them. You could locate evaluations and exposés on the app's security integrity, despite the fact that they might first seem innocent.
Additionally, keep an eye out for warning signs on the programmes you currently have installed. You may be dealing with a malicious app if you frequently experience slowness or crashes, recurrent pop-up advertising, intrusive permission requests (such as access to your texts and emails), or frequent slowness.
Keep an eye on how your device's battery is affected when using an app because malicious programmes can quickly drain your battery.
