Do you become frustrated when you can't find the desired app on the official Google Play Store or App Store as a frequent smartphone user? For instance, if you wanted to check out TikTok while you were in India, you wouldn't be able to do so because TikTok has been blocked by the Indian government due to security concerns.
Third-party app stores are a convenient option and fantastic locations for installing such apps for millennials. These unidentified sources lure users or developers to download apps with lower prices or freebies. These unofficial app stores are not secure, though, and you run the risk of damaging your device or losing personal information.
Be wary of apps from unofficial stores
The two largest official app stores, Google Play and Apple App Store allow users worldwide to download native Android or iOS mobile applications. Both platforms have third-party developer apps as well, which are carefully reviewed before being made available to users. Are these apps safe to download?
Google and the App Store adhere to strict guidelines and inspect each application for malware. Users have a better chance of downloading secure applications because even the third-party apps in these official app stores adhere to strict development standards. However, things can become challenging.
Although third-party stores provide a wide variety of safe applications, there is also a greater likelihood that they will also provide risky ones. Additionally, those apps contain malicious code like adware or ransomware that can harm your smartphones or tablets. Malicious apps have occasionally been discovered in official app stores, and users have also been encouraged to install fake versions of the app.
This gives rise to an argument—if hackers can bypass Google & Apple’s strict vetting procedures, can you imagine the kind of unrestrained playing fields they get on unauthorized mobile app stores?
For instance, the BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app from India was initially only accessible through Google Play. But did you know that the app was duplicated in the store as well as on unauthorised app stores?
Mitigation Tips
When downloading apps from unauthorised app stores, there are several risks involved. Some may slow down your system to the point where you can no longer access it, while others may have more sinister intentions, such as accessing your personal information and sending it to the app's owner or another attacker group.
Malicious apps may include backdoors that allow threat groups to access your device or even prevent you from using it.
Even downloading apps from official app stores can be dangerous. That is why, regardless of what they offer, you should never consider accessing unauthorised mobile app stores. Also, when downloading apps from official app stores, check the reviews and the manufacturer details; and, during the installation process, look at what permissions are granted.
