Beware of imposter Pokémon Go apps lurking the Internet

If you’re downloading Pokémon GO – which is now available in the UK after launching in the United States – make sure you get the official version, else you may infect your phone with malware.

This is a stark warning coming from plenty security companies from around the web as a number of malware infected versions of the app have surfaced online, some even on the official Google Play store.

The infected apps can play all sorts of havoc if they manage to install on your phone, including locking it and demanding payment to retrieve your data.

Pokemon Go has quickly risen to the top of the “app charts” and has now accumulated just as many daily users as the Twitter app.

And like all popular apps, there are imposters lurking, attempting to lure you into downloading and installing them. Many of these imposter apps are actually the original game (and so is a fully functional version of the game) wrapped in malicious code, meaning they’re practically indistinguishable from the legitimate app.

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So what’s a Pokémon Go hunter to do?

Thankfully, avoiding the malicious versions of the app is easy if you know how. Firstly, NEVER download apps from “alternative” app marketplaces that litter the Internet. Many of these have very little safeguards against dangerous software, meaning on these sites, anything goes. Only download from Google Play, Windows Marketplace or the iTunes store, depending on your phone.

Even on the official stores, dangerous apps can still squeeze past, albeit much more rarely. In this case, only download apps with stellar reputations and feedback. Given the Pokémon Go app is now one of the most frequently used apps across all platforms, it will naturally have lots of feedback and reviews. Avoid apps that have little or no feedback or reviews.