Avoid Downloading Apps From Untrusted Sources, Google Warns Android Users

Last Updated:March 31, 2025, 17:00 IST

According to Google’s Android Developers Blog, apps downloaded from outside the Play Store are 50 times more likely to contain malware. This is why the company removed approximately 2.3 million suspicious apps from the Google Play Store in 2023

However, despite Google’s stringent security measures, some dangerous apps occasionally reach the Play Store. (News18 Hindi)

If you download third-party apps on your phone, this news is crucial for you. Google has warned Android users that downloading apps from any platform other than the Google Play Store may expose their smartphones to malware attacks. Your data could be stolen, and you may also suffer financial losses.

According to Google’s Android Developers Blog, apps downloaded from outside the Play Store are 50 times more likely to contain malware. This is why the company removed approximately 2.3 million suspicious apps from the Google Play Store in 2023.

However, despite Google’s stringent security measures, some dangerous apps occasionally reach the Play Store. These apps are removed immediately once they are identified.

Google has banned more than 300 apps that were bypassing Android’s security features. These apps have been downloaded over 60 million times and were displaying fake ads to steal users’ personal information and attempting to steal credit card details through phishing attacks.

Google has stated that it is taking new steps to prevent fake and dangerous apps from appearing on the Play Store. The company is now strengthening Play Protect Live Threat Detection, making it more difficult for hackers to create and list fake apps on the Play Store.

How To Protect Your Phone From Cyber Attacks?

• Download apps only from the Google Play Store.
• Before downloading an app, be sure to check its reviews and ratings.
• Always install security updates on your phone.
• Avoid clicking on any unknown links.