Beware of fake phone updates and notifications.

Updating apps on your phone requires caution. Michelle from New Jersey expressed a common concern about the process.

"Before updating an app on your phone, should you trust the message that pops up or should you verify it through the App Store?"

Is it important to update your device's apps? Yes, updates are crucial for maintaining performance and security. They frequently include bug fixes, new features, and security patches that safeguard against vulnerabilities. However, be cautious as scammers have become adept at using fake update notifications to deceive you into downloading malware or disclosing personal information.

Identifying red flags

It is essential to be able to identify fraudulent update notifications to maintain the security of your device. Here are some specific indicators that an update notification may be fake:

1. Unexpected alerts from unknown apps

If you receive an alert from an unknown app, be cautious and verify its legitimacy before engaging with it. Check your installed apps list to confirm if the app is actually on your device.

For iPhone

• Tap the App Store icon on your iPhone's home screen.
• Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
• To view a list of all apps you've downloaded, select Apps and then tap My Apps.
• You can view all the apps currently installed on your device and those not currently installed by tapping "Not on This iPhone."
• Tapping on "Not on This iPhone" will display a list of previously downloaded or purchased apps that have been removed from your device.

For Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android.
• Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
• Select "Manage apps & devices" from the menu options.
• To view all apps currently installed on your device and check for any unknown apps, go to the "Manage" tab and select "Installed."

Frequently examining this collection of apps keeps you informed about the software on your device and enables you to detect any unknown applications that could endanger your security.

2. Requests for personal information

Be wary of any update process that requests personal information, as legitimate updates will not ask for sensitive data like passwords, credit card information, or Social Security numbers. Official updates are usually handled through your device's operating system or app store, which already has your account information.

3. Pop-ups asking to subscribe to calendars

Be wary of pop-ups asking for calendar access, as they may lead to spam and phishing messages. Legitimate apps usually don't request calendar access through pop-ups during updates. Thus, be cautious of any unanticipated requests for access to your device's features or data.

4. Urgent or threatening language

Scammers frequently employ fear tactics to prompt rapid action. Be cautious of messages that claim your device is in immediate danger or that you'll lose data if you don't update right away. Legitimate updates are usually communicated in a composed and informative manner without employing high-pressure tactics to urge users to act quickly.

5. Unusual update sources

It is recommended to only download updates for mobile apps from the official app stores, such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store, to ensure safe and verified software. System updates should also be obtained through the built-in update mechanism on your device to maintain security and integrity.

6. Spelling and grammatical errors

Be cautious of hastily created scams when you notice poor spelling, grammar, or formatting in an update notification from a reputable company.

7. Unexpected permissions requests

If an app requests permissions that seem unrelated to its function, it could be a warning sign. For instance, a calculator app should not require access to your contacts or camera.

8. Mismatched branding or visual elements

Be cautious when receiving update notifications, as scammers may use logos or color schemes that are slightly off from the official branding. Look for inconsistencies in font, styling, or overall design compared to legitimate notifications you've seen before.

Tips for protecting yourself from fake notifications

Here are some tips to ensure your safety while updating apps:

Be cautious of email and text notifications; safeguard yourself with robust antivirus software.

To protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information, always treat suspicious emails and texts as such and avoid clicking on any links. The best way to safeguard yourself is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices, which can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams.

I will provide you with my top picks for the best antivirus protection in 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

2. Close the app and verify

If you receive an unexpected update notification:

• Close the app immediately.
• Access your device's official app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
• Search for the app in question to check for any available updates.

This method ensures that you are only downloading updates from legitimate sources.

3. Check your device settings

You can verify if there are any system updates available by checking your phone's settings.

• For iPhone: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update
• For Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Ensuring your data is backed up before performing major updates, especially system updates, can enhance your device's overall security.

4. Enable automatic updates

Automatic updates for apps and system software can be enabled on most smartphones, ensuring that your applications remain current without the need for manual intervention.

For iPhone

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap General.
• Select Software Update.
• Turn on Automatic Updates by swiping the button to the right.
• Go back to Settings, tap App Store.
• Enable App Updates in the Automatic Downloads section by swiping the button to the right.

For Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
• Select Manage apps & devices.
• Tap on the Manage tab, then select Installed.
• Select "Auto-update apps" by tapping the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
• Choose your preferred option: Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only.

It's important to manually check for software updates periodically to ensure that all important updates are installed.

5. Verify sources

To avoid malware and phishing attempts, always download software from official websites or app stores.

6. Monitor app permissions

Review the permissions requested by apps after updating them, and if an app asks for permissions that do not seem necessary for its function, consider whether you want to keep it installed.

7. Uninstall unused apps

Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unused apps helps maintain device security and reduce clutter.

For iPhone

• Find the app you want to uninstall on your home screen.
• Tapping and holding the app icon will display a menu, from which you can select "Remove App."
• Select Delete App to confirm.

For Android

• Uninstall the app you desire from your app drawer or home screen.
• Tap and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then select "Uninstall."
• Tap OK to confirm the uninstallation.

Kurt's key takeaways

It's essential to verify update notifications through official channels to ensure security and performance. By staying informed and cautious, you can safeguard yourself from cyber threats while reaping the benefits of updated apps.

How can the App Store and Google Play enhance their security measures to safeguard users from fraudulent update notifications? Please share your thoughts by emailing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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