A report by information technology security firm Trend Micro Inc said that 87 percent of all Pokemon Go-related apps on Google Play are malware, including “impostor” Pokemon Go games made by hackers that are designed to sell unwanted merchandise or compromise user data.
The Trend Micro report, published on Monday, on apps available on Google Play said that there were 149 Pokemon Go-related apps available in Taiwan’s regional app store between July 8 and July 24, with more than 3.9 million downloads.
However, 87 percent of the apps contain malware, the report said.
Micro Trend senior consultant Chien Sheng-tsai (簡勝財) said that a majority of the malware apps use false advertisements to deceive users into downloading them for the purpose of selling merchandise unrelated to Pokemon Go, while a smaller number would install “Trojan” programs to enable remote control of the device or data theft.
Users should download Pokemon Go and other apps from authorized developers, not from dubious sources claiming to have free-to-download content or hacked versions of software, Chien said.
Chien said caution is needed when using the location-based augmented-reality app.
“GPS-based games have this kind of risk and players who are concerned about compromising their location data should turn off GPS navigation on their devices,” Chien said.
“However, since Pokemon Go requires constant GPS service for game play, people should be more cautious if they want to play it,” Chien said when asked whether such apps could affect privacy by revealing their location and habitual routes.
Information technology security firm Devcore Inc chief executive officer Allen Own (翁浩正) said that the majority of Pokemon Go-related malware downloads in Taiwan are likely to have occurred because players wanted a copy of the game before its release in the nation and were deceived by fakes.
All apps can potentially compromise personal data and users should adopt safety precautions in their everyday use of information technology to protect the information stored on apps and games such as Pokemon Go, Own said.
The Health Promotion Administration on Sunday issued a statement calling on gamers to refrain from playing in or near dangerous areas, such as roads, railways and aviation zones; using devices in hot weather or low light; playing the game alone; or losing situational awareness.
Every 30 minutes of eye use with devices should be followed by 10 minutes of rest, while sunglasses should be worn from 10am to 2pm to protect the eyes from sunlight, the Ministry of Health and
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