When it comes to keeping your mobile free from invasive malware, you might be your own worst enemy. Most forms of malware follow the same rules that govern the comings and goings of vampires in supernatural folklore. Vampires can’t enter your home without an invitation. Most of the time, neither can malware. That’s why it’s important to make sure you don’t lay out the welcome mat for malware by downloading fake apps.

Beware of Fake Apps

Apps that protect your phone’s safety, like , are great for your mobile security. An application from a trusted source can enhance your experience with your device, offering new tools or just a bit of fun. However, some malware disguises itself as harmless looking applications. There are a few red flags that let you know you could be dealing with a fake app.

• Fake apps may have typos in the description. Apps that are released by real companies and organizations usually contain text that has been edited by someone else. If the writing seems off, it may be for a reason!

• Check out the reviews. Do the reviews seem like they were all written by the same person? Are there no reviews at all? If the application claims to be really popular but has zero customer feedback, this could be a warning sign.

• Look up the app online. Can you find any other mention of it on the web? Other users may have discovered that it’s fake already. Pay particular to attention to the creators. Do they have a website set up? Can you find any other source that credits them as a reliable and authentic organization?

• Are there images or preview shots? If the graphics or screenshots look shoddy, you may be dealing with a fake app. No pictures at all could indicate the same thing. A real app usually has a slicker presentation, with producers going out of their way to show off their software at its best.

• Make sure the price matches up with the product. Does the app offer something really great for almost nothing? Some things are too good to be true, so be wary of apps that promise a lot in exchange for very little. The creator may be more interested in your phone’s data than what you’re paying for the app.

When in doubt, don’t download! The worst time to find out that an application is fake is after you’ve installed it. By then, you’ll already have an unwanted guest making themselves very comfortable in the places you’d most like to keep away from prying eyes.