How to identify the fake apps in Google Play Store?

Be careful while installing apps from the Google Play Store

Take out a minute and think for a while, what is the first thing that we do as soon as we get a brand new phone? We quickly download all kinds of apps be it games, messaging, wallpapers and so on. But are we fully sure about what is contained in these apps? How safe they are? Google Play store has many a times been in the news for being infested with fake and malicious apps. Thus we should be very careful while installing apps on our mobile phones to ensure that it does not land us in the hands of scammers and hackers.  So here are a few simple steps to identify the fake apps in the Google Play store.

1.      The first thing that you need to do a little research about the app that you are about to install. Also research a little about the developer of that particular app. You can find this name very easily as it is placed right below the app. A genuine developer will have a website and other details of his work.

Check out for the developers name!!

2.      Another thing that can be considered is the editor’s profile. If his/ her profile contains tags like “Top Developer” or “Editor’s choice” then they are least likely to be false.

3.      Also make sure to read all apps permission carefully. Make sure the permissions asked by an app comply with its functions and features. For example, if an app like Skype requires your permission to access SMS, Call logs, media files then it is genuine, but if a gaming app asks for the same permission then it is seriously a bad app.

4.      Going through the user ratings and reviews are also very important.

Read the ratings & reviews of the user

5.      Another very easy and cool way to find out whether an app is genuine or not is to directly ask Google whether that particular app is genuine or not. If the app has a bad reputation, it will automatically be visible in the search results.

Google play store might contain apps that are risky but it is far way much safer than the unofficial or third party app stores. You might be tempted to download such apps as huge discounts are offered but keep in mind that you will be risking your privacy and security by doing this. You should also keep in mind that hackers and scammers are one step ahead of us in everything and they are always alert and keeping an eye on all our activities. They do their work so smartly that at times we don’t ever realize whether a particular app is malicious or not.

So the next time when you come across such an interesting app, do consider using the tips that have been discussed above and also have reliable Antivirus software installed on your phone.

5 Online Shopping Traps to avoid this season

Online shopping made it easy and convenient!

Shopping has become so easy these days just with the click of a mouse or with the swiping of your card. Doing your festive shopping online can be a great way to avoid the crowds. It also helps you compare different products and their prices and choose the most suitable one for your needs. Ordering something online takes less time than going to the market and buying something. Whether you’re buying a computer, a pair of shoes or booking a trip, shopping online offers convenience and can make it easy to find some great deals. But at the same time shopping online can also put you at a high risk of becoming a target of these cyber criminals if proper precautions are not taken. Thus to keep your personal information safe, follow these steps to avoid online scams:

Use Common Sense

Make sure that the site you are surfing for, looks 100% right. It is better to take a little time and surf on various sites rather than ordering a product that never really comes. If you are surfing on a website that has poor spellings, logos or asking for too much of personal information then it’s better to be alert and pay a little attention to it.

Buy from reputed sites

Think carefully before buying from a new and unfamiliar website. There are so many websites that you are familiar with, so try to buy from these only as they have a reputation to maintain. Even if anything goes wrong, they will always be there to help you out and provide you with the best solution. It’s always better to spend a little extra on something you know rather than losing something completely.

Avoid clicking on suspicious emails

Phishing is an easy way used by hackers to target users

You get hundreds of emails in your inbox that offers a variety of discounts and offers for you. Most of these emails contain a couple of links in it. Though some of these emails offer real deals while others may be malicious. Links in malicious emails may be used to install unwanted software’s that can cause damage to your PC. These sites may look good and real but they have primarily been set up for collecting your personal information.

Never to use Public Wi-Fi when shopping online

When you type in personal information such as credit card details, bank account numbers etc across public Wi-fi, everyone using that particular network can access your information if they want to. You are always advised to use a secure network when shopping online. Wait for sometime before shopping if you can’t get a secure network.

Review & Ratings

It is very important to do a thorough research on the products and sellers before purchasing something online. Always read what people have to say about a particular thing. Look for reviews from multiple sources.

Sometimes as you are purchasing over the internet, there are internet monsters who are continuously spying on you and your online activities. Thus it’s very important that you act out carefully and not become a target of these hackers. Also install a quality Antivirus software.