Hacker running from red lock on phone screen. Smartphone with alert notifications. Hacker attack failure concept. Vector illustration can be used for data security, cybercrime, scammer
What is Sideloading?
Refers to the process of transferring files between a computer and a mobile device via USB, Bluetooth or WI-FI, Specifically installing APK Files from the security setting “unknown sources”.
What is going to happen?
Google Play Store has received an update to version 17.8.14 this week, the Advanced Protection Program proprietary protection can start blocking third party of applications on Android devices, to put it simply: apps will only be installed from Google Play.
What are its advantages?
- Doesn’t need wireless data charges.
- Makes apps available for all geographic zones.
- No restrictions applied on banned content in user’s country.
- Is an excellent choice of local advertising.
What are its disadvantages?
- There could be malwares and malicious codes.
- Limited ads network for advertisers.
- The recovery not always guaranteed.
Is there some alternative for those who need to install applications outside of Google Play?
It is possible that Google will not take extreme measures and offer some alternative for those who need to install applications outside of Google Play. For example, instead of simply blocking, it will require scanning such applications using Play protect which is Google’s built-in malware protection for Android .
