Mobile Data Theft on the Rise: Experts Warn of APK File Dangers

Gwalior businessman Vinod Agarwal. Neither SMS nor OTP came on mobile. Suddenly the mobile got switched off, transactions happened from the account and about 87 thousand rupees were withdrawn. Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Srivastava, after downloading a file received through an SMS, the mobile was hacked for half an hour and 47 thousand rupees were withdrawn from the account. These are just two examples.

After such incidents happening continuously, when Naiduniya talked to cyber experts, it came to light that the biggest responsible behind such incidents is the mistake of the people themselves or it can also be said that people are not aware. Their data is being stolen due to their own small mistake. Every activity of their mobile is being monitored.

What is APK file?

It works on Android operating system. APK means Android Package Kit File. It works only on Android operating system. APK file is a type of spyware. As it is clear from the name itself, spy means to keep an eye.

All the information reaches the hacker

Spyware is such a tool, which keeps an eye on every activity of the mobile, laptop or other device including the data of the users without permission. Gallery, documents, contacts, SMS are sent to third party without permission. From location, email to other information, everything reaches the hacker.

APK file enters the mobile through media autodownload

Many times people do not even click on such files and these files reach the device and steal the data. The reason for this is the auto download feature of WhatsApp and other messengers. In which people keep media, documents, audio, video on auto download mode. This is the biggest mistake. If the APK file is not downloaded in the mobile, the spyware will not work. As soon as the file is downloaded, access to the mobile is gained and fraud is committed by hacking the mobile.

Take this precaution

• If you use WhatsApp or any other messenger, do not keep it on auto download mode.
• Do not download unknown files. Most of the times such files are downloaded by giving the lure of redeeming reward points.
• The file is of very less KB in size, hence it gets downloaded as soon as you click.
• If you keep anti-virus in your mobile then it will immediately detect the harmful file and alert you.