Almost everything today has an app—do you need groceries? There’s an app for that. Are you looking for a more efficient way to access your project management system at work? Download the app version. Do you want to watch your movies on mobile? Get the app.

 

Apps are everywhere, and they do make our lives so much easier and a lot of things more accessible. Due to its popularity, cybercriminals have found an opportunity to target individuals and big brands today, and that is through fake apps. And because of the growing number of users who have become app-reliant, it’s easy to get confused!

 

Here are ways to spot a fake app:

 

1. Research the Developer

 

Yes, this will take a bit of your time, but it’s going to be worth it. When you’re about to download a new app to your device, it’s crucial to check the developer first. All you need to do is search for the developer on Google, and you will find information about the developer. From there, you can assess if the developer is reputable or not.

 

Remember, fake apps usually have the same name as their original counterparts, and they sometimes only change a letter to make it look inconspicuous. Look into the details, especially if you feel like there’s something off about the developer.

 

2. Take Note of the Release Date

 

When was the app released? If it shows a recent date, but with a high number of downloads, it’s likely a fake. This is because legit apps that have high downloads have been on the market for a while.

3. Be Mindful of the Permission Agreement

 

It’s crucial to read the permissions agreement before you download the app—that is, if you really want to proceed with it. Usually, fake apps will ask for additional authorisations that are not really necessary if you think about it. However, this often goes unnoticed because most people don’t read the fine print. Be careful with this because you could be giving more information than you should.

 

4. Read Reviews

 

Another effective way to spot fake apps is to read the reviews. You can find these reviews on the app store, but you can also access them with a simple Google search. If you notice a lot of negative comments, it’s best to think twice about downloading the app to your device. On the other hand, you need to be mindful of the positive reviews as well. Fake app creators usually generate fake reviews to lure users into downloading their app. So, if the reviews are too good to be true, trust your gut and look for an alternative instead.

 

5. Watch Out for Those Fake Apps

 

Fake apps are designed to contain malicious code to steal your information or data. Make sure to be wary when downloading an app online because a lot of fake apps today look legit. Knowing how to spot these fake apps will save you from exploitation that could be detrimental to your reputation and your data. Invest in good cyber attack prevention to keep your information safe online at all times.

 

FraudWatch is a digital brand protection company that offers mobile app protection services. We provide fake mobile app detection and takedown services. Contact us today to find out how we can protect your company!