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Tag: Mobile Apps

Tips To Spot A Fake Android App

With a rapid upsurge in the number of smartphone users, businesses are increasingly providing mobile apps to their users. However, this increased use of smartphone apps has also garnered the attention of cybercriminals. They are finding different ways of targeting mobile phone users, the most common one being the use of fake apps. As Android devices capture 70% of the worldwide smartphone market, cybercriminals are targeting devices with fake Android apps.

What Are Fake Android Apps?

Fake Android apps are Android mobile phone programs that replicate the appearance and functionality of an authentic or popular app. The app duplicates the user interface of the genuine application to the point where users cannot distinguish between the two.

What Is The Purpose Of Fake App?

The underlying motive of a fake app is to attract users and trick them into downloading this compromised version instead of the legitimate app. The fake app may be infected with malicious code designed specifically to perform multiple functions such as, stealing mobile data, stealing financial data, introducing bugs to slow down mobile performance, aggressively displaying ads during use, etc.

How To Spot A Fake App?

Downloading a fake app can cause numerous damages to the victim such as financial loss, data loss, personal information theft, etc. So, it is important for mobile users to be vigilant and spot a fake app to avoid falling victim to hackers.

Here are some tips to spot a fake android app:

  • Check The Name: Every legitimate and popular app may have multiple fake alternatives. This is why, when a user searches for an app, he receives multiple results with similar names. So, check the correct name of an app before downloading it. Scrutinize the name for any spelling errors or jumbled words. Also, pay attention to the logo of the app.
  • Check Developer’s Name: Before downloading an app, research it to know the name of the developer of the original app. Knowing about the company that presents the app will make it easier to spot a fake app.
  • Read The Reviews: Take out some time to read the user reviews about an app. This will help in knowing about the experience of other users who downloaded the app. Be wary of downloading the app, if you see any reviews claiming to experience problems with device performance after downloading the app. This may be an indicator that the app contains embedded malware.
  • Read App Description: Another way to spot a fake app is to read the app description. In case the description contains misspelled words, grammar errors, or appears to be generated by a bot; it is advised to be cautious.
  • Permissions: Apps usually ask for permissions to use certain device functions to operate. But fake apps may ask for function permissions that are not required to the perform original functions of the app

Centex Technologies provide complete cybersecurity solutions for businesses. To know how to protect your businesses from cyber-attacks, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Watch Out While Giving Permissions To Apps On Your Mobile Devices

You might have encountered pop-ups asking for permission to access certain details whenever you install an app on your mobile phone. We generally accept to grant access and that’s where we expose ourselves to cyber vulnerabilities & threats.

Permissions That Can Have Serious Repercussions –

  • Location – All apps generally ask for permission to track your location. If you install an app that contains malware and if you give app permission to track your location, then cyber criminals can keep a check over your movement.
  • Contacts – Some apps require you to allow them to gain access to your contact list. With this, you allow the app to see who all are in your “contact list” and what are their contact details. Apps can further use this information to market themselves. If hackers access this information, they can misuse the phone numbers, email ids of contacts known to you.
  • Gallery – If you download an app that asks for permission to peek through your gallery, then ensure that it is from a trusted source. One needs to be wary of giving permissions to such apps as cyber-criminals can use your photographs or even ask for ransom to exploit you.

Here we have listed certain ways to stay safe while giving permissions to apps on your mobile phones –

  • Read the app description thoroughly and make sure that you comprehend on each and everything before actually installing the app on your mobile phone.
  • Make sure that you download the app from a trusted source. If you are not sure, send an email to the developer and ask them about reasons why they require permissions. Download the app only if you are satisfied with their answers.
  • Check out whether the permissions asked by an app are required or not. For e.g. if you download an app that monitors your eating habits and it asks for permissions to access your gallery, then it is better to give it a miss because gallery has nothing to do with your eating regime.
  • The best way to ensure about authenticity of an app is to read the reviews of other people who have downloaded it. Read them thoroughly to gain an insight of complains or positive feedback about the app.
  • Manage your account permissions using permission manager apps. They help you manage the permissions and disallow them to gain access to other apps that contain your personal information like gallery, contacts etc.
  • Keep your phone updated and install a good anti-virus.
  • Do not download the app that asks for too many permissions than what are generally required.

It is extremely important to audit the app permissions every now and then to ensure that your personal and confidential information stays safe and private. For more information on IT Security, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.

Benefits Of Mobile Apps For Online Ticketing Companies

June 24, 2013

Mobile apps are a boon to nearly every business, right from a weight loss website to an e-commerce portal. No matter what you have to offer to users, chances are that you can engage them a lot more deeply through a mobile app, since that is the best way to be right at their fingertips all day long. This is specially valid for online ticketing companies, which can benefit greatly through mobile apps. In order for users to choose and purchase tickets online, the most important factor is that the process should be easy and convenient.

What better way to make sure the users have a positive experience each time they purchase a ticket from you, than having a mobile app specifically for the purpose. With the smart phone revolution that has taken place over the past year, it is prudent for companies to find ways to get a coveted spot in the “applications” folder of their prospective customers. When a user knows that the tickets to his favorite movie, airline reservation, or even local concert are just a button away on this mobile phone, the chances of him looking elsewhere diminish.

Apart from giving users a great reason to shop for online tickets from you, mobile apps also make your job a lot easier. You can have a real-time tally of the number of tickets sold, available seats, etc., all on your handheld device. The convenience of mobile apps for online ticketing companies is undisputed, and with the way things are going, the chances of tickets going exclusively mobile are high. Creating a compelling mobile app could be all that you need to score a significant competitive edge over other ticketing companies, and become a household name for your targeted users.

A mobile app makes it possible for anyone with a smart phone that has internet settings enabled on it, to book tickets no matter where they are. This means that users can book tickets while at work, during traveling, or just about anywhere! Having a mobile app makes you accessible to them right when the thought of booking a ticket crosses their mind, and this makes the whole difference between them choosing you over your competitors. Ensure that the interface of the app is clear and concise, making users want to come back to you each time they need to book a ticket.

Centex Technologies provides Mobile Application Development services to its clients across the globe.

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