Security News > 2024 > February > Google tests blocking side-loaded Android apps with risky permissions
Google has launched a new pilot program to fight financial fraud by blocking the sideloading of Android APK files that request access to risky permissions.
These files are commonly distributed through third-party sites, allowing you to install apps outside of Google Play.
Due to the complexity and difficulty of uploading bad apps on Google Play, threat actors revert to social engineering, using various lures to convince targets to download malicious apps from external, unvetted sources.
Android users are advised to avoid APK downloads as much as possible, scrutinize permissions requested during app installation, and run Play Protect scans regularly.
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