Free apps – have their advantages and disadvantages. There are many free apps available for Android and Apple users around the world. But you may not know if these apps are safe.
Let’s discuss all the pros and cons of free apps. And how to avoid malware threats when downloading them. But, if you download free applications from trusted sources, you can be sure of security.
Free apps
Free apps are a great way to get the app you want without paying for it. But not all free apps are safe. Therefore, before downloading any application, make sure that you know what you are getting into.
Free apps offer a fantastic set of advantages over the paid versions. But they also have significant risks. Free apps have many advantages and disadvantages compared to their paid counterparts.
What are the dangers of free apps?
First of all, the main danger lies in malware and spyware. What makes a free application dangerous is the lack of a guarantee of user safety.
You can download the application for free, which will contain malware and spyware. Such an application can steal personal data from your phone or tablet. They can also be used as Trojan horses.
For example, to install other free applications that you don’t know about. Free apps from third–party resources are a big scam. So keep an eye on which app you are downloading.
Thus, always download applications only from trusted resources that you trust. By the way, free phone apps pre-installed by the manufacturer do not have such a problem.
Theft of private information
If you decide to download the app for free to your phone from an unknown resource, then be careful. Free programs can save your email, phone number, and even credit card numbers.
Trojan Horses
Android apps downloaded for free from an unknown resource may contain a Trojan horse. This is often observed when downloading hacked games. Trojan horses are used to install other free applications.
One type of Trojan horse is an overlay. Trojans and overlays are dangerous because they can force the device user to install hidden software. Often the installation process will not be obvious to you.
How do I find a secure app?
If you are not sure if your application is safe, you can check the permissions by going to settings. And then to the “Privacy” section. Next will be a list of all applications that have access to your information.
Make sure that the permissions make sense and do not arouse suspicion. For example, you would not want the application to request permission to read your contacts. Do not install the app if you are not satisfied with the permissions.
Read the terms and conditions
Don’t just think about the time you’re saving – what about other people? You may not want to take this into account, but it is necessary. Pay special attention to the terms of any agreement you enter into.
See if it makes sense to you. If something in the Terms looks sketchy, find out more before signing it. Another option: do not subscribe to free trial versions without reading the text of the agreement.
Privacy Settings
When you download the app, it will ask for permission to access certain features on your device. The permission includes your location and privacy settings.
You have to constantly adjust these settings so that the app can’t access anything that you don’t need. For example, if the app requests permission to access your contacts, photos, or calendar.
It is better to refuse this. You can also adjust your location settings so that the app can only see your general location, not your exact location.
You should also check the permissions that the apps already have. To do this, go to “Settings” and select “Privacy”. In the “Location Services” section, you will see a list of all applications.
Who requested access to your location. You can configure these settings and deny access to apps if you don’t want them to know your location.
Apps also often request permission to send push notifications. Make sure that the app only has access to text messages, phone calls, and calendar events.
Otherwise, he may sell your personal information or spam your friends with ads. If the application requests too many permissions or requests access to functions that are not needed, delete the application.
Free Apps vs. Paid Apps
Some apps are free because they rely on in-app purchases to generate revenue. Some apps can also be downloaded for free, but with ads.
These applications benefit from advertising, which is usually always served by an advertising network. The Ad API interacts directly with the advertising exchange to display the corresponding ads.
For example, it may match your interests based on what is displayed in your field of view when using the app. This model allows for more aggressive personalization.
Advertisers conduct scalable campaigns through various channels without re-targeting and investing in certain segments of mobile users. Which can have a negative impact on security.
Such applications may publish your information on the Internet without your permission. This is a huge problem because it could potentially compromise your privacy.
For example, a free app can access your personal information such as email address, phone number and credit card numbers. Then they can put this information on the Internet for everyone to see.
So be very careful with the type of free app you download! In conclusion, downloading and using free apps are fraught with many dangers.
Be aware of what you are downloading and research the app before installing it on your device. Do not install unfamiliar apps and always read the app permissions.
If you are not satisfied with the permissions, do not install the application. Stay safe and stay informed. It is better to install an antivirus application on a smartphone that will help protect against malware.