An image of a credit card being pulled out of a smartphone by a fishhook.
Generally speaking, those research reports quickly grab the attention of Apple and Google, who more often than not immediately remove the offending apps from their stores and take action against the developers behind them. But researchers warn that an app doesn't have to be obviously malicious, or even violate Apple or Google's rules for developers, to cause problems for users.
"They're banking on the fact that users won't pay attention to the cost or simply forget that they have this subscription," Sean Gallagher, a principal threat researcher at Sophos, said in a statement.
While some of the apps singled out in the report have since been removed from their respective app stores, others remain. The Sophos researchers noted in their report that because the apps are designed to sit just on the edge of violating developer rules, they don't automatically trigger the kinds of automatic app store rejections that overtly malicious apps do.
Check the permissions. Listings in both Apple and Google's app stores will show you exactly what a particular app wants to access in terms of your personal information. Sure, a maps app probably does need to access your location from time to time, but does that silly, time-wasting puzzle game you love so much? Don't be afraid to say no if an app asks for access to data it doesn't need.
Audit your apps. This can also be good for keeping your monthly spending in check. The settings in both Apple and Android phones will show you what apps you're subscribed to and how much you're paying for them. Sometimes it's easy to forget that you're still paying for apps that you just don't use anymore. And if your "free trial" has turned into a hefty recurring charge, you'll be able to see that too.
Remember, good reviews don't automatically equal legitimacy. App reviews can be faked and copied. Don't automatically assume that just because an app has thousands of five-star reviews that it's safe. Recently released apps that already have lots of positive reviews should particularly be treated with suspicion. On the flip side, numerous bad reviews and low ratings also should be seen as red flags.
Check the icon and look for typos. If an app's icon looks just like that of a popular one but is a little bit off, it could be a knock off. Lots of typos in an app's description could also be a sign of that.
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