Android apps must be analyzed before being downloaded

Oct 18, 2012 09:09 GMT  ·  By

Lookout has issued an alert to warn customers that they might stumble upon a Google Play application that attempts to mimic an update to the company’s mobile security app. Fortunately, the shady application does not pose a high risk to users.

“Although the app does contain a Lookout branded asset, it was not primarily branded as a Lookout-specific update. The only way that a user could confuse the application with Lookout is after installation,” the company noted.

Experts advise Android users to check out the description of an app before downloading it and installing it on their devices. User reviews could also be of great aid in making the difference between phony and legitimate programs.

Remember that genuine apps are always stored on the vendor’s own Google Play page or official website, not on suspicious-looking third-party markets.