If you are an Android user, you know how integral apps are. As an Android user, you can choose from millions of apps. You have got apps covering entertainment, social media, games, books, and novels, the list goes on and on. In that respect, while the Android marketplace is certainly getting bigger, is it getting better? The reason why we have put up this question is that the marketplace for Android is being swarmed with malicious apps. The worst part here is that threat actors are even able to sneak in their malicious apps in Google Play Store which otherwise is considered the most secure place for installing apps on Android devices. The need of the hour is to take preventive measures to stay away from malicious apps in Android.

How Can Android Malware Apps Harm You?

The reason why we are so persistent in taking charge of malicious Android apps is that they can cause serious harm once these apps are installed on your device. Let’s have a look at few such instances where malicious Android apps were loaded with malware and duped unsuspecting users –

• In the case of Flytrap Malware and some other Google Play Store apps, users were duped into sharing log-in credentials after which their Facebook accounts were hacked.
• The links of some fake vaccinations apps posing as genuine Google Play Store apps were sent via texts. As soon as a user clicked on these, the malware was installed on their device that subsequently stole their banking information, and then the attacker made hefty purchases.
• In the case of Agent Smith Malware, some hostile malicious Android apps replaced legit Android apps. Not only did it unload adware on the user’s smartphone but also made users pay for these adverts.

What Can Be Done To Stay Away From Malicious Apps on Android?

1. Open Your Eyes And Ears When Installing An App

Before even tapping on that install button make sure that you check a few things about the app. First, have a look at the number of installs. Even if that app has millions of installs, make sure that you check the app’s rating and also read through the comments on the app as well. Furthermore, check if the app has been in the news and if yes, ensure that it shouldn’t have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. For instance, it should not be known to steal login credentials of users or unloading adware on devices that have installed the app, or even sending sensitive permissions to any third parties.

2. Download A Mobile Security App

It might not be possible for you to check for malicious apps on your Android device, now and then. So, why not leave the task to a security application. We recommend using Smart Phone Cleaner for cleaning, optimizing     , and protecting you from malicious apps and threats that can put your device at risk.

Smart Phone Cleaner – Features At A Glance

• One of the fastest scanning engines to clean and shield your device.
• White- list trusted apps.
• Two scan modes – Deep and Quick to detect vulnerabilities
• Run a privacy check-up for all the installed applications.
• Real-time protection to detect a malicious app upon its installation.
• Provides a safe web browsing experience, as it identifies unsafe websites & notifies users about the same.
• Schedule automatic scanning to detect your device for malicious apps.
• Lots of other cleaning, optimization, speed boosting, management, and privacy tools.

How Does Smart Phone Cleaner Help You Find Malicious Apps?

1. Install Smart Phone Cleaner on your Android smartphone.

2. Navigate to the Malware Protection module and initiate the scanning process. If any malware is found, it will be promptly removed.

3. You can even check what permissions are given to which apps.

Additionally, you can schedule automatic scanning for your device for malicious threats on a daily or weekly basis.

Must Read: How A Cleaner App for Android Works?

3. Don’t Grant Access To Everything That App Requests

Malicious apps are known to ask for permissions that are not related to what they are. For instance, right before you install your favorite game, here is a question that you should ask – is it a genuine game or malware that’s wearing a mask of a game? It shouldn’t ask your permission to access your SMS or install unknown apps because if it does (and in case it is a malicious app), it might access your SMSs for transaction alerts or send texts to its owner on your dime. Also, it could install partner apps that might slip in malware on your smartphone.

4. Restrain From Downloading Apps From Third-Party Marketplaces

Try as much as possible to not download apps from third-party marketplaces since that’s the exact place where threat actors plant malware masquerading them as apps. Google Play Store hails as one of the secure platforms for installing despite some instances of malware Android apps sneaking in. Even in those instances, Google Play Store was prompt enough to remove the apps. However, there are certain Google Play Store alternatives as well from where you can download Android apps safely.

5. Examine The Developer of The App Closely

Sometimes, the name of the developer speaks loads about the app. If you even have a suspicion that the name of the app’s developer is even a tad bit dodgy, you can always visit their website and check if it is legitimate or not. Again, you can check if recently any concerns about the developer were published online.

Wrapping Up

As we said before, it is important to guard up before Android malware apps creep into your smartphone and leave you with no other option but to repent. Do let us know if you found the information in this blog to be helpful. For more such content, keep reading Tweak Library.