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The fake app business
Why would anyone bother developing fake applications? The simple answer is money. Because fake applications can easily get malware onto your cell phone. There are different versions of these, but most are able to read data and pass it on to the app developers. And you can make a lot of money with personal data.
It is also possible for confidential information such as access data and passwords to be readout. With this data, the fake app developers are then able to steal the identity of the users or empty their accounts. For all these reasons, it is important to protect yourself against such apps as best as possible. When comparing "conventional" end devices to Apple products, there is hardly any significant difference, which is why EVERY user is called upon to be cautious in this regard.
Many fake apps follow the strategy of disguising themselves as well-known and successful apps from reputable providers. Consumers should be especially careful when dealing with applications related to sensitive data or finance. A good example would be the world of online casinos: playing on the internet delights many with the regular attractive bonus offers. Accordingly, this area is also interesting for programmers of fake apps. Such applications are then often of high quality and only differ from the serious originals in a few details. This concerns, for example, the name of the app. When selecting the right iOS applications, great importance must be attached to these details.
This is the only way to recognize fake apps and not get them onto your device in the first place.
But the official providers also have their methods
Have you ever wondered how free services like Facebook or WhatsApp make their money? Because you can say a lot about Mark Zuckerberg, but not that he would gnaw on the hunger pangs. So where do the many billions come from that flow so faithfully and regularly into his account? Clearly: from advertising partners. And the most successful advertising is done by those companies that know their target group as precisely as possible. Therefore, many companies are willing to receive large sums of money for information about their target group. Data is, therefore, a valuable commodity on the Internet and also for the operators of apps.
Besides using data, there are two other strategies that app developers use to make money. Some variants are paid, models. Here the users pay a certain amount once or regularly and are then allowed to use the functions of the app. Other apps are free from the start but are financed by advertisements within the app. When selecting the right apps, it is, therefore, necessary to check exactly which business model they are pursuing and what access rights the app has to personal data.
You can recognize fake applications by these signs
Fake apps try to look like legitimate apps. A look at the file name is usually enough to unmask them.
If there are spelling mistakes, transposed letters, or additions such as "unofficial", caution is advised.
You should also be alert if the app logo looks strange and changes colors, for example.
In addition, you should read the reviews of the apps carefully and be very vigilant. Ratings without comments are not helpful, and criticism that is too positive or negative is suspicious. After all, app providers have the opportunity to buy reviews.
You should also be skeptical when a provider states the download numbers on their website. In this way, he wants to suggest a supposed seriousness. If the number of downloads is also low, something really seems wrong with the app.
Last but not least, a lot can be seen from the required authorizations. Why does a radio app need access to the phone book? The more permissions are requested, the greater the likelihood that the app developers are just after your data.
Data protection is difficult
If you want to protect your privacy and keep control of your personal data, you have to deal intensively with the topic of data protection. This includes one of the most tedious tasks you can imagine: reading T&Cs. Of course, it is convenient to simply accept the terms and conditions and the data protection guidelines and assume that the app operators will not mess with them.
However, reliable data protection looks different. Therefore, before you download and use a new app, be sure to take the time to read the terms and conditions. Find out what access rights the app requires and ask yourself whether you are willing to disclose the relevant data. This is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
Another important task in data protection is dealing with ratings and reviews. If an app is praised by many users on different, reputable portals, that speaks for its quality. However, not only user-friendliness should be taken into account, but also data protection should be taken into account.
You should also always think carefully about where you download the app. Because in addition to the official iTunes store, there are many alternative stores. However, their apps are not subject to any control. And let's be honest: You'd rather get your medicine from the pharmacy than from a man with a vendor's tray in front of the hospital.
Conclusion: There is no such thing as absolute security
Always remember: There is no such thing as absolute security. With the right data protection, however, you can achieve the highest level of security and protect yourself from fake applications and dubious providers. But even the most sensible strategies eventually reach their limits. Because the developers of fake apps are also evolving and coming up with new strategies to get your data and money. Therefore, always keep yourself up to date when it comes to data protection and take the time to deal extensively with new apps and updates. Your privacy will thank you.
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