What is APK: Smartphones have become an important part of our lives today. From banking to social media, office work to personal photos, everything is captured in mobile. In such a situation, if there is even a slight mistake in the security of the phone, the loss can be huge. Many times the root of this danger lies in a small file which we call APK file. Many people download it without thinking, but this habit can make your phone an easy target for hackers.
What does APK file mean?
The full name of APK is Android Package Kit. In simple words, it is the installation file of Android apps. Just as .exe file is used to install software in a computer, similarly APK file is used to install an app in an Android phone.
When you download an app from Google Play Store, it also gets installed in the background through APK. The only difference is that Play Store scans these files first and allows them to be installed in the phone only after security check.
Why do people download APK file?
Often people download APK files because an app is not available on Play Store. Need for an old or new version of the app, desire to use a paid app for free, desire to try a particular feature quickly, this is where the danger begins. Because Google’s security check does not apply to APK files downloaded from outside the Play Store.
How can APK file become dangerous for your phone?
Not every APK file is dangerous, but files from unknown or unreliable sources can cause major damage to your phone. Many times hackers hide such code inside the app which is nothing visible but takes control of your phone in the background.
Through such APK files
- Your banking app information may be stolen
- OTP and password may be leaked
- Photos and videos in the phone can be sent outside
- The phone may automatically start sending expensive SMS
- Camera and microphone can be accessed surreptitiously
- This means that a small file can put your entire digital life at risk.
Why is setting Unknown Sources dangerous?
When you install APK in the phone, the system asks you for permission of “Unknown Sources” or “Install Unknown Apps”. Once you turn on this setting, your phone allows external files to be installed without any restrictions.
The problem occurs when
- User does not turn it off after giving permission
- Any fake website or link silently downloads the APK
- User installs that file by mistake
- This small carelessness makes the phone an open door for hackers.
How to identify fake APK file?
Not every APK file is dangerous, but there are some signs that can alert you. Like if an app
- asking for too much permission
- Phone becomes slow as soon as it is installed
- Unknown ads start appearing in the background
- Use too much data or battery unnecessarily
Then understand that something is wrong. Many times, fake APK keeps the same name and icon as the real app, due to which the user gets easily deceived.
Connection of APK file and mod apps
Nowadays “MOD APKs” are spreading very fast on the internet. These are the same apps in which paid features are made free or advertisements are removed. These seem like a profitable deal but in reality they are the biggest danger. Because these have been changed by some unknown person. Malware or spyware may be hidden in them. No security updates are available from the developer, such apps are the easiest way for hackers to steal data.
Should every APK file be avoided?
No, it is not that every APK file is bad. Many developers also provide official APK on their website. But the difference is trust. If the source is trustworthy and the file is verified then the risk is reduced.
The problem occurs when people
Download APK from Telegram or WhatsApp group
trust fake websites
Click on any link without checking
Easy ways to stay safe from APK file
To keep the phone safe, it is very important to keep some things in mind. As
Download APK only from trusted sources
After installation, turn off the permission of “Unknown Sources”
Keep a good security or antivirus app in your phone
Read the permissions asked carefully while installing the app.
If you see an unknown app, remove it immediately
These small precautions can prevent big losses.
Can an APK file be closed completely?
APK installation is an important feature in the Android system because it is how apps are installed. But the user has control over whom he allows and whom he does not. If you remain limited to Play Store then the risk automatically reduces considerably.
Also read:
Just 5 smart Android tricks that will keep your phone’s battery alive for hours, forget the charger
