Not everything is always what it seems online — even apps and websites that look and feel like the real deal.
Android has always had a reputation for being more lenient than Apple when it comes to the app developers that they allow to be represented on their store and the apps they let their users download. Android is even open to allowing its users to download apps from third-party stores. This can have pros and cons. The pros are obvious: more freedom and flexibility means you get to try out innovative apps that can’t be found on other platforms. But this freedom also means it’s more important to be cautious about the apps you download, read ratings and reviews, and don’t hesitate to delete an app if you download it and something seems fishy and off about it.
According to Android experts, these four apps and websites are among the most unsafe ones you can download on Android and they can lead to viruses and hackers.
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The Threat
According to Sonic Wall, the Android apps threat comes in disguise. “We’ve encountered similar RAT samples before, but this one includes extra commands and phishing attacks designed to harvest credentials. This malware uses famous Android app icons to mislead users and trick victims into installing the malicious app on their devices.”
What does this mean for you when you are downloading apps in Google Play? Many of them will have the exact logos of reputable and popular apps, but they will be wolves in disguises. Once you download them, they can install malware onto your phone that snatches your data. According to Sonic Wall, “after the malicious app is installed on the victim’s device, it prompts the victim to enable two permissions: Accessibility Service [and] Device Admin Permission.”
Social Media Apps Are Affected
There is no stopping hackers from creating any copycat app they want, but the most common ones that will be targeted are those with millions upon millions of followers — like social media apps. Some of the copycat apps that users have reported include copycat Instagram, Snapchat, X, and WhatsApp. It can be nearly impossible to tell a clone from the real thing until it’s too late.
How to Protect Yourself
There are steps you can take to make sure you aren’t a victim of hackers who draw you in with these clone apps. First, only download apps from the Google Play Store and never from third-party stores. Although many of these apps are safe, you’re still taking a bigger chance. Read reviewers and the app description well and if something seems off, avoid it. And never click on any emails or messages that promise to lead to direct downloads of apps. Only ever download the app from a trusted source.
