ecause of the constant devices and applications created for the Android OS, its popularity will continue to climb the charts. Currently, there is more than 10,000 various games and other apps made for Android phones and all of these applications can be found at the Android Market, which is Android’s app store.
A huge contributing factor to Android’s popularity growth is that unlike the Apple App Store, the Android Market does not utilize an approval system, allowing almost anyone to make an Android app to share with other users. With this being said, it is no wonder many Android users question the safety of purchasing apps through Android’s store. If the security of application purchases concerns you, this article will prove as a handy guide.
Viruses
The Android OS is similar to Linux in a few aspects. This platform does not have the tendency of having trouble with viruses, making it very secure. Of course, there is another aspect to the app installation threat one usually does not consider. It is possible to download an application with an attached virus that is not made for the phone itself but for a PC. So when a user decides to synch their infected device to a computer, that computer can become riddled with the virus.
Spyware and Phishing
Besides viruses, Android app users should be aware of security threats such as spyware and phishing. The most common way a user falls victim is by installing an application that has a keystroke logger or a type of software made to snatch private information. And with phishing, the user may click on a link to a fake website front that claims to be PayPal or eBay in an attempt to hijack your login information.
There Are No Android Apps to Combat These Problems
Even though Android has tons of applications, there is not yet one that fights against the security threats listed above. The security applications that are available only help recover stolen Droids or wipe out stored information. This is why the best measure you can take in protecting your Android phone is to utilize basic common sense. As long as you exercise caution when choosing apps to install, you should be able to avoid any trouble. Ask yourself the following two questions.
What Is the App’s Rating?
All applications for download via Android Market are rated 1-5 stars. The star-rating system can give the user a general idea about what apps to install and what apps to pass up. It is recommended to only install applications with a 4-5 star rating; anything with three or fewer stars should be avoided altogether.
What Do the Comments Say?
Android Market applications do not only have star ratings, but also user comments. The opinions of other Droid users are the ideal tool for anyone who is on the fence about an app installation. From these comments, users can highlight an emerging issue with the device model itself.
Source : androidapps.org
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