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The Risks of Downloading Apps from Unofficial Sources

RBL Bank May 26, 2025

Today, we have access to a wide range of apps that make our lives easier and more convenient. However, there is a dark side to downloading apps from illegitimate sources. These sources provide apps that are not approved or vetted by official channels, which poses serious risks to users’ security and privacy.

It is essential for users to download apps from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, as these platforms perform thorough vetting of apps for security. Apps downloaded from other platforms are often malware, spyware and other malicious software. They can compromise your personal data, your financial information and even your device’s integrity. Additionally, having malicious apps on your phone can further expose you to various cyber threats.

Now that you know the risks of downloading apps from unauthorised sources, make informed choices and protect yourself from fraud and cyber threats.

Understanding Illegitimate Sources

Illegitimate sources serve as channels for distributing mobile applications outside of approved app stores or developers, often bypassing regulatory frameworks. By using them users risk exposure to malware, data breaches, and financial scams.

Types of Sources:

  • Third-party app stores: Offer apps beyond official channels. Many host pirated or modified versions, raising malware risks.
  • Downloading from unknown websites: Provides free or low-cost apps but lacks security, leading to fake or manipulated software and privacy violations.
  • Peer-to-peer sharing platforms: Enable direct app sharing without authentication. Full of fake or altered apps, distinguishing genuine software from malicious becomes challenging.

Risks Associated with Apps from Third Party Illegitimate Sources

There are a lot of risks associated with downloading and installing apps from unauthorised sources, especially in terms of security, privacy and features. If an app is recent but has a high number of downloads, it may be a red flag for being fake. Following are some of the risks that come with downloading and installing applications from unauthorised or untrusted sources:

1. Malware and viruses

Apps downloaded from illegitimate sources often contain viruses and malware. These malicious programmes can damage your device and compromise its features, resulting in data loss, crashes, and unauthorised access to confidential data. Malware often masquerades as legitimate applications or piggybacks on innocuous software, making detection and mitigation difficult.

2. Data theft and privacy breaches

Illegitimate apps can be a major source of data and privacy breaches. They can access and remove personal data stored on your device, such as contact lists, text messages, passwords and financial information. One of the specific risks involved is the potential for data theft, which can lead to significant privacy breaches.

3. Financial fraud and identity theft

Downloading apps from illegitimate sources can expose you to financial losses and identity theft. Apps may ask users to enter personal information, such as credit card information or login information, which cybercriminals can collect and use for fraudulent activities. Equally, compromised apps can allow users to make unauthorised transactions, resulting in financial loss and damage to users’ credit reports.

4. Impact on device performance and security

Harmful apps can have a negative impact on your device’s performance as well as its security. They can use up a lot of system resources, reduce the device’s battery life and cause your device to run slowly or intermittently. In addition, illegitimate apps often don’t have proper security measures in place and may contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers to gain control of your device or launch more malicious attacks.

The consequences of downloading apps from illegal sources can be severe. Legally, users can be held liable for copyright infringement or intellectual property infringement, which can lead to fines or criminal sanctions.

Ensure that you do not download the app of any bank or any other financial institute, if its website is not listed on Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official website.

On the financial side, users can be at risk of unauthorised transactions or theft of confidential financial information, which can lead to significant losses. Your reputation, whether it’s personal or professional, can be at risk by data breaches or compromised accounts. Trust between peers and business associates can also be affected.

Support and assistance from legitimate app developers or device manufacturers can be limited, which can delay the resolution process in the event of a security breach or technical glitch. This can have a significant impact on users’ devices, data and finances.

App Permissions and Security

App permissions are a crucial aspect of mobile app security. When you download an app, it requests access to various features and data on your device, such as your location, contacts, and camera. While some permissions are necessary for the app to function properly, others may be unnecessary and potentially malicious.

To ensure your device’s security, it’s essential to review an app’s permissions before installing it. You can do this by checking the app’s permission details on the Google Play Store or by looking at the app’s permission requests on your device.

Here are some tips to help you manage app permissions and security:

  • Be cautious when granting permissions: Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function. If an app requests access to sensitive data or features, consider whether it’s really necessary.
  • Review app permissions regularly: Periodically review the permissions granted to each app on your device. Revoke any permissions that are no longer necessary or that you’re not comfortable with.
  • Use a permission manager: Some devices come with a built-in permission manager that allows you to control app permissions. You can also download third-party permission manager apps to help you manage app permissions.
  • Keep your device and apps up to date: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

By being mindful of app permissions and taking steps to manage them, you can help protect your device and data from potential security threats.

How to Identify Illegitimate Apps

Identifying unauthorised apps requires scrutiny. Look for these indicators to assess legitimacy:

  • Check the source: Official app stores like Apple App Store or Google Play Store are trustworthy. Third-party websites or app marketplaces may harbour unauthorised apps.
  • Developer Information: Legitimate apps usually provide clear developer details. Be cautious if this information is missing or seems suspicious.
  • User Reviews and Ratings: To identify if an app is legitimate, check user reviews and ratings. Legitimate apps typically have a lot of reviews. Scant or negative reviews may signal potential issues like malware or scams. In some cases, only positive reviews alone can also be a red flag. Also check the number of downloads and “verified” badge on app stores to be sure.
  • Review permissions: Be wary of apps requesting unnecessary or excessive permissions on your phone, which could indicate malicious intent or data collection.
  • URLs and Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links from unreliable sources, as they may lead to unsanctioned or phishing sites.
  • Security Warnings: Pay attention to security alerts during installation or app opening, as they may indicate potential dangers. Ignore them and halt installation if unsure of the app’s legitimacy.

Steps to Take if You Have Downloaded a Compromised App on Your Device

  • Uninstall the app immediately: One of the first steps to take is to remove the illegitimate app from your device via settings or app manager to prevent further harm.
  • Scan for malware: Utilise genuine antivirus software to scan and eliminate any threats from your device and data.
  • Change passwords: Secure accounts and sensitive information by changing passwords for email, banking apps, and social media.
  • Report to authorities or bank: Inform relevant authorities and your bank of the incident for further action and guidance.
  • Monitor accounts: Monitor your financial accounts closely and report any suspicious activity to your bank as soon as possible. Regularly monitoring your accounts can help protect you from losses or identity theft caused by an unauthorised app.

To sum up, the lure of convenience should never come at the cost of security. Being aware of the risks of illegitimate app sources will help you make better decisions. Careful app selection, quick response to threats, and continuous monitoring are the best ways to navigate the digital world and protect your personal data and devices.

Victims in India can also contact the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or report incidents online at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Additionally, you can file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell through the SacharSathi Portal, which offers case tracking.

National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
sancharsaathi
Disclaimer:
Articles published on the website are merely indicative and suggestive in nature and do not amount to solicitation. The contents do not guarantee the desired returns and/or results. Reader is advised to exercise discretion and consult independent advisors for achieving desired result.

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