Security in the Play Store: Safeguarding Your Android Device

Tech Advisor reports that malware attacks continue to target the Google Play Store. More than 300,000 Android devices have been infected by several apps that disguise themselves as useful tools and compromise users’ personal data.

It cannot be assumed that everything in the store has been vetted and is safe. Taking into account that some apps appear harmless but actually steal data, there are simple steps you can take to enhance Play Store protection.

How to Improve Android Security in the Play Market?

#1 Pay attention to the number of downloads

The Google Play Store quickly removes malicious apps upon identification and reporting, preventing these bad apps from accumulating numerous downloads.

Additionally, as more people use an app, the likelihood of detecting undesired system behavior increases.

Most apps on the Google Play Store have fewer than one hundred downloads, and the top 0.055% of apps account for 65.4% of all downloads.

#2 Keep your device up to date

To keep your Android device secure, it’s crucial to frequently update its operating system.

Software updates often come with security patches that fix vulnerabilities and loopholes, which malicious apps can exploit.

Make sure you have the latest security enhancements by enabling automatic updates or manually checking for updates.

#3 Use a VPN

Both mobile device safety and access to applications largely depend on VPN. You must understand that Google Play tracks your IP address and determines your region based on it.

How to change countries in the Google Play Store using a VPN? You can read the detailed instructions at the link above, but for now, we need to caution that you cannot perform this procedure any number of times.

Typically, changing the region can be done once every 3 months. A VPN cannot protect against viruses that are hidden in an application, but it can prevent phishing attacks, and DDoS attacks, and protect against viruses from other sources.

#4 Check privacy policy

It is considered good practice for an app or a web page to have a privacy policy so that users can have a better understanding of what data is being collected and how it is being processed.

Many countries require apps handling private or sensitive data to have a privacy policy.

However, just because an app has a link to a privacy policy listed in the Google Play Store does not necessarily mean that the policy is still available or leads to relevant content.

By checking where such a link goes, you can easily verify the legitimacy of an app.

#5 Check app permissions

The permissions’ names can cause confusion, and there are hundreds of them. Some permissions are more general, like internet and Bluetooth access, while others are highly sensitive, such as location, microphone, camera, and contacts access.

#6 Read app reviews and ratings

Before downloading any app, invest some time in reading user reviews and verifying the ratings.

Reviews can offer valuable insights into the app’s performance, functionality, and potential security concerns.

If you come across multiple negative reviews or low ratings, it might indicate a possible threat.

Try installing the VeePN Chrome extension and read reviews from your PC before installing any app on your smartphone.

This way you can learn more about the application, its developer, and its security level.

Exercise caution when downloading apps with unfavorable reviews or limited user feedback.

#7 Enable app verification

The built-in feature on Android devices called “Play Protect” scans installed apps for potential security risks.

You can enable this feature to automatically scan apps for malware and other threats.

To activate Play Protect, go to the Google Play Store app, tap the menu icon, select “Play Protect,” and toggle the “Scan device for security threats” option.

#8 Be cautious with links and pop-ups

When clicking on app links, especially those received via email, text messages, or social media platforms, exercise caution.

Cybercriminals frequently exploit these channels to distribute malicious apps or launch phishing attempts.

Before clicking on any links, verify the source and refrain from interacting with suspicious pop-ups or ads.

#9 Enable device encryption

Adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access is achieved by encrypting the data on your Android device. If your device supports encryption, you can enable it in the settings menu.

Encryption guarantees that even if someone gets hold of your device unlawfully, they won’t be able to access the stored data without the decryption key.

#10 Use strong passwords

It is crucial to secure your Android device with a strong and unique password. You should avoid using simple and easily guessable passwords.

Instead, opt for a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Additionally, you may consider using a password manager to securely generate and store complex passwords.

Conclusion

Google Play Market accepts app security measures by default. However, publishing it is enough to pass the robot verification.

Although it is constantly being improved, dangerous applications sneak through it all the time.

In most cases, these are little-known or phishing applications, but there are problems with popular applications as well.

Android device defense largely depends on you; you shouldn’t just rely on the fact that the applications on the Play Market are completely safe.