It is mentioned on countless occasions that installing apps that appear dubious can cause result in a breach of your confidential information. Without thinking twice, users still download apps that trick them into sharing their personal information.
The thing is you should be worried about downloading unfamiliar and unpopular apps. You should approach with caution any site you are using. The following case with the Mobdro pirate streaming app should open your eyes.
Mobdro slammed with malware accusations
Mobdro is an Android streaming app with a pirate-friendly nature. The app supports devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and many Android OS versions. Mobdro has a sizable user base and is increasingly growing in popularity.
Research done by “Digital Citizens” has shown some disturbing aspects to this app. Here are some things that Mobdro apparently does that the public was unaware of until recently:
- Penetrating Wi-Fi networks: After installing the Android app, Mobdro will force an update, after which it will forward the Wi-Fi name and password to a different server.
- Transfer of personal data: By using a
VPN to hide their true location, the researchers claim that the information is uploaded and forwarded to a server in Indonesia. - Malware infections: Malware is probing the network, searching for vulnerabilities that would enable it to access files and other devices. The malware is uploaded without consent, reaching a mind-blowing size of 1.5 terabytes of data on the researcher’s device.
Furthermore, the Mobdro app showed signs of spontaneous updating and malware upgrading. The infected device would then follow various commands which affect the application’s network functionality. These commands could also order the app to pull audio and video content from other apps or take part in a DDoS attack.
According to Digital Citizens, these kinds of issues are not surprising at all. Although the malware threat is relatively new to illicit devices and pirate apps, the abuse of personal information by third-party apps is not unexpected. Digital Citizens state that:
“In 2015, a Digital Citizens investigation found that 1 in 3 websites offering pirated content exposed consumers to malware that could steal personal and financial information and take over their computers to launch attacks.”
Websites that offer pirated content bait users by offering free content then infect those who take the bait with malware. During that process, they can steal personal information which may include passwords, photographs, and usernames. This only proves that malware-infecting piracy is a serious issue that could steal your personal and financial information, and also expose your device to launch attacks.
Use VPNs to protect yourself on the web
It’s clear that hackers are lurking and waiting for defenseless prey to leave their devices unprotected. By accessing the web without proper security protection, you’re running the risk of exposing your personal data and having hackers access your device. Here’s how a
- Strong encryption: Top-quality VPN providers use strong encryption methods, like the AES 256-bit encryption method, to protect your information against prying eyes. This kind of military-grade encryption will definitely protect you while you’re accessing the web.
- No-logging policy: A top VPN has a no-logging policy. This means that quality
VPN providers will never monitor or record your online activity. They also guarantee that they won’t disclose any of your personal data to third parties. - Rerouted data: Before your information packages (which contain your IP address and location) hit your online destination, they have to go first through the filter of your
VPN client. TheVPN client acts as an intermediary between you and the online destination. TheVPN software will send your data in an encrypted form; the online destination will see your data as if it were coming from theVPN client, not you.
In the process, your data is encrypted and changed. The online destination will in no way be able to access your original data. The video from NordVPN below explains more about how a VPN works:
It is always up to you to read the terms of use for every app that you use and download. Don’t just blindly give away permission to third-party apps. Use our reviews to learn which are the best torrenting sites and the best clients for P2P downloading, then choose the ones that are most reliable and trustworthy.
Combine a VPN with a strong Internet protection tool
By using a
Always make sure to find a
[affilioProvider max=”2″ top=”n” cat=’torrenting’]