Google Play Store is no longer a safe place for app users. The number of malware found on public apps available on Google Play has increased significantly over the past two years. Unfortunately, most Android users are unaware that specific apps can severely damage their devices or lead to data theft.
There is no doubt that downloading and installing random Google Play apps will eventually cause a security problem. While there are ways to check the credibility of certain apps (by browsing through reviews and searching for the app on Google Search), some malware-infected apps seem very trustworthy at first glance. That is why it is becoming more and more difficult to fight against these threats. That said, here are six Android apps to avoid at all costs!
CPU Browser #1
We’ve all heard of Chinese tech giant Alibaba, right? Well, their subsidiary UCWeb has created the UC Browser, which happens to be one of the most downloadable web browsers on Android. It is difficult to understand why users often opt for less popular web browsers instead of Google, which is certainly one of the most convenient options.
However, UC Browser is proven to have some shortcomings, especially in the area of cybersecurity. Namely, the browser does not protect its data transmissions as it should, which means that your personal data could be exposed to third parties, including hackers and intelligence agencies. Instead of risking your data on UC Browser, opt for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, both of which are completely free.
#2 Clean
Next on the list is CleanIt, a popular junk file cleaner app that seems safe at first glance. CleanIt looks legit as it has millions of downloads on Google Play Store. However, if you look deeper into the app, you’ll notice that it asks for a ton of permissions on your device, most of which aren’t needed for junk cleanup (like camera and microphone permissions) .
In reality, phone cleaning apps don’t serve such a great purpose. Sure, they can block apps from running in the background and remove duplicate files, but is it really worth the security risk? The good news is that there are several great alternatives to CleanIt that won’t ask for crazy permissions. These include CCleaner and Greenify, among others.
#3 Free VPNs
Most virtual private networks offer a free trial for their VPN services. After all, a VPN is one of the most reliable cybersecurity tools available today. Although free trials of reputable VPN services do no harm, you should stay away from completely free VPNs for several reasons. Not only will free VPNs not adequately protect your data from third parties, they can even put it at risk.
While free VPN service providers claim to protect their users’ data, in reality they often log and even sell it to third parties. This is how they can offer the service for free, because they end up making money from your data. If you are looking for the best VPN for Firestick or any other digital device, make sure you go for a paid and reliable service provider.
#4 Virus Cleaner – Free Antivirus and Phone Cleaner
Next up is a virus cleaner designed to rid your device of unwanted malware, which is ironic because this app is unreliable. The main reason you should avoid this app is that it’s full of ads, which makes it almost impossible to use without constantly being bombarded with random photos.
What makes the level of safety of using this app even more questionable is the fact that its advertising system promotes untrustworthy brands and services. Moreover, any app that promises to protect your phone on so many levels absolutely free should not be trusted. The best alternatives for these types of purposes include Avast and AVG apps.
#5 RT News
The final app on our list is Kremlin-funded RT News. Short for Russia Today, RT News claims to be a trustworthy journalistic source. In reality, the network is an outlet for Russian government propaganda, and it is often inundated with fake news. However, fake news is not the only reason to avoid this app.
With Russian media targeted by cybercriminals, many of their platforms are bombarded with fake links and advertisements that could lead to malware-infected sites. The best way to ensure that the information you read is safe and factually correct is to replace fake news apps with alternatives such as CNN and BBC.
Avoid Untrustworthy Apps on Google Play Store
Even though Google tries to stay ahead of the curve and remove rogue apps from its platform, some unreliable apps still manage to slip under the radar. The five apps we mentioned above are just a small part of the pool of malware-infected and fake news apps you’ll find on Google Play. Stay safe, avoid downloading random apps, and use a VPN to protect your personal data.
