In our previous article, “How Many Smartphone Apps Do Most People Download?”, we explored the actual usage of mobile apps. Now, let’s dive into the issue of app security.
A tech news article by Trend Micro, “Tech: Android Malicious Apps to Reach 1.4 Million This Year”, points out that as the number of apps in various mobile app stores surges, the number of malicious apps is expected to reach a staggering 1.4 million.
Trend Micro explains that only a small fraction of malicious software exists in the Google Play Store. These apps often use layers of disguise to deceive Google’s screening processes. From my observations, some apps in Google’s official store appear to be ordinary programs with decent download numbers and ratings. However, they may embed specific self-promotional ads or push update notifications designed to lure users to their private websites.
This allows app developers to bypass Google’s official store and trick users into downloading unverified apps from unknown sources. At this point, your smartphone may have its first close encounter with malicious software or virus-laden websites.
For example, Camera 360 is a highly useful photography and image editing app. However, not long ago, it prompted me to download an inexplicable update from their private server.
Fortunately, modern smartphones have a system-level setting that can block such unverified apps. However, this security mechanism can be intentionally or unintentionally disabled during smartphone use, allowing potentially malicious apps to be installed seamlessly.
Additionally, busy modern parents often can’t spend much time with their children, so they teach them to use smartphones or tablets to keep them occupied with a few inches of screen. This way, kids won’t disturb their parents’ peace and quiet at home — yes, I’m using a fair amount of sarcasm here.
However, children often don’t know how to identify malicious apps, making your smartphone vulnerable. Even if parents only install new games for them, kids at this age are surprisingly savvy. Before long, you might find your phone or tablet filled with unfamiliar games you never installed.
Another scenario is parents enabling credit card purchases on devices for convenience, which could lead to children accidentally buying numerous apps or in-app items. I doubt this is what parents intend.
In short, my guiding principle for assessing an app’s safety is this: “Except for apps provided by Google’s official store, approach apps from other companies or individual developers with skepticism.”
The reason is that while an app itself may not contain destructive viruses, the protection of personal privacy data is often a concern. This is a common issue with some developers who carelessly collect personal information.
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