Is APKPure Safe: Legal and Security Considerations

APKPure is known for its vast collection of Android apps that may not be on official sites. It's become a godsend for many users. However, the unofficial nature of these apps always raises the question, “Is APKPure safe?”

Join us as we explore the security and legality of app availability on APKpure. Our smartphones have become central to our lives today. Let's ensure we keep them safe.

tl;dr: APKPure is not 100% safe. There is a chance you may download malware-infected apps. There is also a risk of copyright infringement in some cases. Ensure you protect your devices with a reputable antivirus app.

What is APKPure?

APKPure is a service that allows Android users to download Android Package Kit (APK) files directly. It operates as an alternative to the Google Play Store. Being outside Google guidelines, APKPure can provide more apps than Google might otherwise offer.

Aside from that, APKPure also provides older versions of apps. This caters to users with older devices or those seeking features discontinued in newer updates. Lastly, APKPure is also more accessible since, unlike Google, it does not lock some content to specific regions.

Is APKPure Safe? 

Addressing the pressing question, “Is APKPure Safe?” isn't so direct. The shortest answer to the question would be: Yes and no. The critical issue is that we do not consider anything tech-related to be 100% safe.

Additionally, the APKPure app itself has been compromised before. In 2021 the app was infected by a Trojan. That ultimately led to a mass of infected devices being flooded with adware.

Safety Comparison with Google Play Store

The Google Play Store uses advanced and continuous monitoring systems for app analysis and vetting. In contrast, APKPure’s verification processes may not be as exhaustive or reliable. This raises concerns about the platform's ability to screen malicious apps effectively.

One thing to note, though, is that the Google Play Store also isn't perfect. In 2023 alone the Play Store inadvertently allowed over 600 million downloads of various malware-infected apps. That backs up what we said about nothing tech-related being 100% safe.

Risk of Malware and Modified Apps on APKPure

A significant security concern for users of APKPure is the risk of downloading apps that contain hidden malware. The platform’s less stringent vetting process potentially increases this risk. Modded apps on APKPure also typically circumvent standard security measures.

Lack of Liability

If you download any malware-infected apps from APKPure, you don't have any recourse. They do not have any compensation policies in place. However, it's also notable that official app stores also don't – both Google's and Apple's.

Legal Aspects of APKPure

It's essential to understand that third-party app stores like APKPure operate in a legal grey area. While not illegal per se, the issue lies with its openness to hosting almost any app imaginable. That means its legality can vary based on the nature of the apps hosted.

Apps That Violate Copyright

APKPure claims to respect copyright laws and often removes apps upon request from copyright holders. However, the challenge lies in the proactive monitoring of such content. Unlike Google, which has vast resources, APKPure may sometimes miss some apps.

Modded Apps

Another legal aspect is the distribution of modified or “modded” apps. These are versions of legitimate apps that have been altered or hacked. For example, an app that's been modified to unlock premium features requiring payment. 

Modded apps are popular among specific user segments. However, their distribution clearly violates most software licensing agreements and can lead to legal repercussions for both the distributors and users.

How to Use APKPure in (Relative) Safely

If you've read through the security and legal concerns above and still want to download from APKPure, that's fine. After all, the Internet is about freedom of choice. However, following certain guidelines can significantly reduce your risks. 

• Ensuring App Authenticity: Check the app's developer, read user reviews, and compare the app's information on the third-party store with its official counterpart, if available. 
• Keeping Devices and Apps Updated: Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities. Neglecting updates can leave your device exposed to risks that could have been easily avoided.
• Using Antivirus and Malware Protection: These tools can help detect and remove harmful software. Incidentally, NordVPN recently introduced an application threat detection feature that's bundled with their VPN service.
• Being Cautious with Modified Apps: Avoid downloading modified or “modded” apps, as these often bypass the original app's security measures and can contain hidden malicious code.
• Regularly Backing Up Data: Ensure that your important data is backed up to a secure location, be it cloud storage or an external hard drive. If something goes wrong, this is your lifeline.

What to Do If You Get Infected With Mobile Malware

If you think your device has Malware, the first thing to do is to try and download a security app to verify this. Search the Google Play store for a cybersecurity application from a reputable company like Norton, Malwarebytes, or Avira.

Run a scan, and if the app detects any infection, simply follow its instructions. However, this won't always be possible, and some Malware can prevent cybersecurity apps from detecting or removing them.

Other methods you can try include;

• Uninstalling Suspicious Apps.
• Forcing Suspicious Apps to Stop.
• Doing a Factory Reset.

Backup and restore features are essential aspects of risk mitigation. Keep a backup of your data before downloading apps from risky sources like APKPure.

Conclusion

In addressing the critical query, “Is APKPure Safe?”, the key takeaway we want to stress is that nothing is 100% safe. There are always concerns about any service, from legal standing to security measures.

However, that leads to to recall that official app stores seem to be having a worse time than third-party platforms like APKPure. So, is APKPure Safe? Perhaps not, but with the right precautions, it certainly can't be worse than the Play Store.

Frequently Asked Questions