The Android operating system has a lot of functionality. Especially when it comes to installing applications. Another common reason is that the developer saves money using third-party app stores. After all, Google obtains a big chunk of commissions and other expenses, partially because of its dominance in the operating system.
Regardless, there is still a risk whenever you install an app outside of Google Play. Downloading an app from places other than Google Play is referenced as sideloading. Recently, interest in sideloading rose again with the global popularity of the game Fortnite.
The game is available for Android, but you need to download it from the official website instead of the Play Store. APK files are generally safe if you download them from reliable sources. Therefore, malicious files can slip through there. You can always scan the file with an antivirus app on your device before you open it.
For example, a request to listen to the microphone would be alarming in a Solitaire game app. But it makes total sense in a video editor. Be especially wary of apps that ask for dangerous permissions.
Dangerous permissions are those that allow the app to read, receive, or write sensitive information. For instance, your location, stored files, phone calls, text messages, or audio. Malicious developers make a profit by selling this information or holding it ransom. Once an app has your sensitive data, it can be difficult or impossible to recover your privacy. It's better not to risk granting access in the first place. You can find the webpage by clicking the developer's name in the Google Play Store.
Has this developer been in the news for any scandals lately? What about the parent company? Looking at the developer's other apps can also give you clues. If the developer only has a small number of apps, but ridiculous download numbers, it's a red flag. If they have lots of apps, but the only clear difference is the name or icon color, it's also a red flag. Honest developers won't have clones or knock-offs of other people's apps, either.
If the developer is imitating more popular products or saying their app is a discounted version, don't click! The real developer would simply issue a sale, not release a separate download. Some malicious or spam apps sneak things by you through the terms and conditions. These sneaky developers know that most people will click "Accept" without reading. So they get you to consent to data mining, data sharing, pop-ups, and all kinds of other things. The solution is to read carefully.
If the app presents you with terms and conditions when you open it, read them. If it's too hard to understand, try using a plain-language translator like Rewordify. If it's still too dense, you might be better off just closing it and uninstalling.
Apps that want you to agree to a lot of extra stuff might be trying to steal your data. Be especially cautious if they don't seem interested in helping you understand why they need it.
Your personal data is valuable and worth your time to protect. These steps can also save you trouble with spam advertising. With just a moment or two of reading and some common sense, you can feel confident in your downloads.
But apps aren't the only ways malicious developers can access your data. Make sure you perform regular phone maintenance, and use a good virus-scanner! The selection is rather large on APKMirror and as a consequence, the categorization is kind of a mess. You could also check out the list of most popular APKs to get started. The site has millions of views and downloads daily, is easy to use and navigate, and ensures that you have the most up to date APKs available.
This makes it easier to find your choice of APK in a faster, hassle-free way. The categories are labeled in a simpler manner such as Action, Puzzle, Racing, Social, etc. The site and its contents are also safe from malware so anything you download will not come with an intrusive little stowaway.
The homepage has a wide range of options from which to discover your desired apps. Updates are provided every day as noted in the every-day update on the site. Region-locked apps are no longer an issue with APK Pure. The download and installation processes are incredibly smooth.
Even more so than the Google Play Store. APK Pure allows you to pre-register for future app installation.
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