Mobile Safety Alert: Downloading third-party apps? Read these important points first, otherwise you could face problems..

In the world of smartphones, life is incomplete without apps, but did you know that not every app on your phone is safe? Mobile companies that develop their own apps are called first-party apps, while apps created by other developers are called third-party apps. While these apps offer us great features and convenience, downloading them from unofficial sources can pose a significant threat to your bank account and personal data.

What are Third-Party Apps?
These are apps that are not created by your phone's manufacturer (like Samsung, Apple) or operating system. This includes apps from official stores like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Netflix, which are available on the Play Store or App Store. These are listed only after undergoing security checks. There are also unofficial/website apps that are available directly on websites (APK files) to circumvent Google or Apple's strict regulations. These are the riskiest. Then there are custom apps. These are created within a company for use only by employees and are not publicly available.

Advantages of Third-Party Apps?
Often, a phone's built-in apps have limited features. Third-party apps fill this gap. For example, a third-party camera app might offer more filters, manual controls, and editing tools than the native app. This is why people prefer third-party apps for music, payments, and photography.

What are the risks?
It can also be very dangerous. In this era of cybercrime, third-party apps are one of the biggest weapons for scammers. Many apps are downloaded under the guise of video editing or games, but they steal your contact, message, and gallery data in the background. Additionally, scammers can send malware to your phone through apps downloaded from unofficial sources. This allows them to control your banking transactions, and the biggest threat is espionage. Several major apps have also faced allegations of national security risks and espionage (such as TikTok), which led to them being banned.

What to do when downloading an app?
If you want to keep your device and data secure, keep these points in mind.

Always download apps from official sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid downloading APK files from unknown links or websites.
Reviews and Ratings: Before installing an app, be sure to read user reviews. If the rating is poor or people are complaining about fraud, avoid it.
Check Permissions: After downloading the app, see what permissions it is requesting. If a calculator app asks for access to your location or contacts, be immediately cautious.
Regular Updates: Only keep apps that provide regular security updates.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.