Top Privacy Risk Apps on Google Play Store


Android is the most widely used operating system in the world. Android has been already installed on more than 3 billion devices, and the number is rising. There are a lot of things to like and prefer about Android. It is small and adaptable, and it works with anything from high-end smartphones to inexpensive phones under $100.

Unfortunately, not everything in the Android world is perfect. While we doubt that it would convince you to jump ship and join Apple, it is something to keep in mind. We're referring to the large number of malicious apps discovered in the Google Play Store. That means you might have malware on your phone without even realizing it.

Google Play, also known as the Google Play Store, is a digital distribution service run and developed by Google. It is the official app store for authorized devices running Android and its variants as well as Chrome O. It lets users to browse and download apps created using the Android software development kit (SDK) and published by Google. Google Play allows users to download apps for free or for a charge at times.

They may be loaded directly on an Android smartphone via the Play Store mobile app, or they can be sent to a device via the Google Play website.

The Google Play Store had over 82 billion app downloads in 2016, and over 3.5 million apps were launched in 2017, dwindling to over 3 million after a purge. There have been a lot of security problems, with malicious software being approved, placed to the shop, and downloaded by users in varied degrees of severity.

Majority of us believe that if we download something from the Google Play Store, it will be secure. Google contributes to the problem by advising consumers that downloading from Google is much safer than downloading from other sources. However, Kaspersky security experts have found 20+ Minecraft Android applications that are actually malware. Even frightening, they discovered that some of the app downloads had surpassed one million!

These phoney programs pose as legitimate Minecraft mod packs. Once installed, the app icon will vanish, and a series of commercials will begin to play continuously as you use your phone. There's also the possibility that they are exporting user information.

Best Applications Available on Google Play Store

Because of nefarious practices, the applications with over 550,000 downloads managed to get past Google's screening system. 'Car Racing 2019', 'Backgrounds 4K HD', 'Barcode Scanner', 'Period Tracker - Cycle Ovulation Women's, and more applications are among them.

Though the applications have not been classed as dangerous, they may undermine security by providing an advertisement for, for example, a malware-infected program that users may download. The applications were discovered to basically drain the battery of the user's phone by flashing full-screen adverts at random intervals.

Some gaming applications even displayed multiple full-screen advertisements in between gameplays, preventing players from playing the game. Ads in the apps are flashed at random intervals and during numerous activities, according to the article, owing to customized adware SDKs, which makes it difficult to detect a pattern in which the ads appear.

  • Car Racing 2019

  • 4K Wallpaper (Background 4K Full HD)

  • Backgrounds 4K HD

  • Barcode Scanner

  • Clock LED

  • Explorer File Manager

  • File Manager Pro - Manager SD Card/Explorer

  • Mobnet.io: Big Fish Frenzy

  • Period Tracker - Cycle Ovulation Women's

  • QR & Barcode Scan Reader

  • QR Code - Scan & Read a Barcode

  • QR Code Reader & Barcode Scanner Pro

  • Screen Stream Mirroring

  • Today Weather Radar

  • Transfer Data Smart

  • VMOWO City: Speed Racing 3D

  • Wallpapers 4K, Backgrounds HD

Ways to Keep Yourself Safe While Downloading Apps

Virtual private networks (VPNs) mask your IP address and encrypt your Internet connection, boosting your privacy and security significantly. These are essential tools for your mobile, desktop, and digital devices in general.

  • High-quality VPNs like NordVPN provide a slew of perks, such as access to a variety of streaming material and even assist you in finding the best bargains while shopping online. Then, with whatever program you download, you must be exceedingly cautious.

  • If you merely allow the hackers from the front door, no matter how great your security gear is, it won't assist you! Unfortunately, this is more difficult than it appears. In general, you can trust applications from well-known companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and even Google. Hence, you must always verify the developer's identity.

  • That isn't to say that smaller developers are not dangerous. Even software with 1,000,000+ downloads may be harmful, as the Minecraft virus demonstrates. Instead, spend some time researching the app. Look for programs on the Internet, read reviews, and use security software to check them for viruses. This is the most effective approach to ensure that something is secure.

  • Finally, pay attention to app permissions. There is no reason for a Minecraft mod to know your exact position all of the time. This might be an indication of malware or simply an attempt to compromise your privacy.

In any case, regardless of who the developer is, limiting rights to applications is always a smart idea.

Updated on: 11-Apr-2022

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