App Store Scams: Identifying Malicious Mobile Applications

In 2023, more than 250 billion apps were downloaded around the world. There’s an app for just about anything – and they make life pretty convenient.

Whether it is monitoring your health and fitness, kicking back with a word game, or banking and finance, these mobile apps have truly transformed modern life management and enjoyment.

However, their digital nature means digital risk and, despite huge ongoing efforts, even official app stores struggle to keep the content safe.

Identifying scam apps often rests on the individuals downloading them. So, let’s learn how to spot malicious mobile applications and protect your devices with the help of this article!

How Do Malicious Apps Make It Into App Stores?

The tactics that modern scammers are using are clever enough to infiltrate trusted app stores. Many pose very convincingly as legitimate apps, making them tougher to spot in the review process before it’s too late.

Mimicking Legitimate Brands

By creating an app that closely resembles the real deal, users often mistakenly download them. Typically, the goal is to flood the user with ads that lead to phishing and tracking sites. Be vigilant before you click download – and check the developer’s name and reviews.

Hidden Charges

You could also encounter free apps that have hidden costs. You might find that after downloading, a subscription is requested – with strange terms. Otherwise, you might have in-app purchases that are unsecured – so always check the pricing and terms of service carefully.

Malicious App Red Flags

Shockingly, under scrutiny, in 2023, in just one day, nearly 2% of Apple’s top-grossing apps were identified as scams. So a malicious app that has passed through an app store’s review process could unwittingly make it onto your device. 

There are, fortunately, a few signs that might give the game away. You can prevent your device from becoming compromised if you stay on the lookout for the following red flags:

Fishy Permissions

It isn’t odd for an app to ask for certain permissions that they need to function. But if you have a simple flashlight app that wants to access your location, camera or contacts, you should be suspicious. Review permissions before you download, install or click acept.

Dodgy Descriptions and Bad Reviews

App store reviews can provide valuable insights, but scammers often manipulate them. If you notice a flood of generic, overly positive reviews or broken English in the app description, proceed with caution. Poorly maintained apps are also more likely to contain security flaws or malware.

Power Drain and Data Hogging

If you notice your phone slowing in performance when you use an app or find your battery draining ridiculously quickly it could be doing more than it appears. Both are signs that the processor on your device is being overused, possibly to run malware or sweep your phone for sensitive data.

Malicious App Protection

By the time you notice the telltale signs above, it may already be too late. The biggest protection against malicious apps is prevention.

Download Sources

Reputable download sources are a must but, as we have highlighted, even official app stores, like Google Play or Apple’s App Store, might not be 100% safe at all times – so be vigilant. Avoid third-party download sites, too.

Updates

Enable automatic updates where possible to make sure you have the latest version of any apps. Older versions can be easily exploited by hackers, leaving you unprotected.

Security Tools

There are some great mobile security apps that can scan for malware threats. Using a VPN can also help secure your online data. If you are wondering how to choose a VPN, know that good speeds, multiple servers, and a no-logs policy are key.

Conclusion

It seems these days, whatever it is, there’s an app for it, as they become more integral in our lives we have to err on the side of caution.

Scam apps still make their way into the most trusted online app stores so understanding the warning signs is important. Suspicious permissions and poor performance could spell trouble.

So remember to stay vigilant, monitor your phone activity, put protection measures in place, and regularly update your software.

If you put all of that into practice and stick to reputable download sources, then you can rest assured that you’re well-protected.