6 Android Apps You Should NEVER Install [2022]
Google Play Store has many top-rated apps, but they compromise your privacy and security. They might help you but will harm you even more. If you are not careful while downloading apps, you can put yourself at risk of being conned, hacked, or tracked.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 most dangerous Android apps you should never install on your device. Also, towards the end of the article, you’ll find a quick tip to protect yourself from these dangerous apps.
Dangerous Android Apps You Should Never Install
Here is a list of Android apps that you should not install or uninstall if they are already on your phone.
- SuperVPN Free VPN Client
- Fildo
- Dolphin Web Browser
- CLEANit
- UCBrowser
- Virus Cleaner – Antivirus Free & Phone Cleaner
SuperVPN Free VPN Client
SuperVPN Free VPN Client is one of the most used VPN apps on Android and has over 100 million installs. But, Cybersecurity experts have claimed that this app has vulnerabilities prone to MitM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks.
Hackers use this attack to steal bank card information, private information, chats, and photographs. It also allows them to hijack a connection to a malicious website that might additionally put a person’s safety and privacy at risk.
VPNs are undoubtedly an essential security tool, but you should avoid using free VPNs. They are known for doing shady practices like selling people’s personal data to make money. Thus, you should immediately delete free and shady VPNs like Pacific VPN and Super VPN.
Fildo
Fildo is a music downloading app that is unlawful and disguised as a local music player. The app discontinued its music downloading option after it came under the radar, but it was later reoriented as a music administration app.
No matter what, we will always be doubtful about apps like this one that promises something and delivers entirely else. It is also said to be linked to Netease, a controversial Chinese leisure firm, which is a red flag. Alternate apps like VLC, AIMP, and Poweramp are safer, and you should immediately replace Fildo.
Dolphin Web Browser
This third-party wildly-popular web browser promises many features and services but delivers very little. It is a flash-supporting browser that monitors and tracks everything you do online, so you should uninstall the app immediately.
Even if you use their incognito mode, they will reveal your original IP address to the seller. They have incorporated terrible tracking and privacy violation practices.
CLEANit
Most “cleaning” apps present on the Google Play Store are scams and are harmful. Surprisingly, there are over a million downloads of the CLEANit app on the Play Store.
This app impacts the hardware of your Android units in a highly effective way and might even be harmful to your cellphone. You do not really need a “cleaning” app for your Android device, but if you must install it, you should choose either Greenify or CCleaner.
UC Browser
UC Browser is one of the most downloaded net browsers on Android. It is developed by UCWeb, a subsidiary of the Chinese tech giant- Alibaba. In fact, according to cybersecurity experts, it does not protect the data transmission properly. It leaves your personal data vulnerable and at the risk of being hacked by cybercriminals and intelligence agencies.
This browser uses weak cryptography, and sometimes the data is not transmitted in an encrypted way. It makes the app insecure, and you should not keep it on your Android phone.
Virus Cleaner – Antivirus Free & Phone Cleaner
This app from Super Cleaner Studio has over 14 million installs and showcases what is wrong with the ecosystem of Android. It shows uncountable advertisements, and many of these providers have a questionable reputation.
It claims to be a battery saver, notification cleaner, CPU cooler, WIFI security, phone junk cleaner, and an efficient security master. But, the truth is that none of these features are achievable by any software program. It is best to skip installing any such apps.
Security Tools For Potentially Dangerous Apps
You cannot entirely avoid downloading unsafe apps or malware. Even the Play Store is unsuccessful in managing that with all its developers and resources. But, you can take a few precautionary measures that will decrease the level of the risk.
Firstly, avoid installing any unnecessary apps. Often people keep a lot of apps on their phones that they rarely or never use. Not only do these apps give hackers an option to get into your phone, but they can also contain malware. You should check the reviews of the apps, the total number of downloads, and any permission that you grant to an
app.
You can also incorporate other basic security measures. A reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network) app and antiviruses can help increase the security of your device. It adds a layer by encrypting the device’s network connection. Thus, securing your phone from any poorly secured app.
Also, you should avoid using the same password for many accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. You must keep all your apps updated, as they might have some security updates that will help with making your device more secure.