Most important Android setting to avoid being hacked and losing $

[market_observer]

If you own an Android phone, this is the most important setting to avoid being hacked and losing $.

Disable "install unknown apps" option.

This will prevent accidental installation of malware which allows scammers to gain access to your bank account.

This is how you disable "install unknown apps" option. Go to Settings. Search for "unknown". Then select the appropriate option. Make sure that all apps, especially browsers and messaging apps like WhatsApp/Telegram, are disabled from installing unknown apps.

I did this for all my loved ones. Do this for your elderly parents because they are the most vulnerable group. Tell them to only install apps from official Google Play Store and only apps they need.

Check your phone settings. Do it now. For yourself and your loved ones.

Protect your $

 

[stillgottheblues]

By default all Android disabled installation from unknown sources. Xiaomi phones will show a big warning and let you wait for 15-20s before you can allow it.

 

[market_observer]

By default all Android disabled installation from unknown sources. Xiaomi phones will show a big warning and let you wait for 15-20s before you can allow it.

I hope you're right but that was not my personal experience. This setting was enabled for Chrome browser on my son's Xiaomi phone.

 

[stillgottheblues]

I hope you're right but that was not my personal experience. I checked my son's Xiaomi phone. This setting was enabled for Chrome browser.

It means he enabled it knowingly or unknowingly.

 

[market_observer]

It means he enabled it knowingly or unknowingly.

There are valid reasons to enable the option to install unknown app sometimes. Mine was enabled to test out an Android app that I developed. Whatever the reason to enable it, I remind myself to disable this option the moment it is no longer needed.

 

[reddevil0728]

There are valid reasons to enable the option to install unknown app sometimes. Mine was enabled to test out an Android app that I developed. Whatever the reason to enable it, remember to disable this option the moment it is no longer needed.

That’s a different point altogether.

the qns is, is it come enabled default

 

[market_observer]

That’s a different point altogether.

the qns is, is it come enabled default

No matter what, just check that this option is disabled for all apps.

 

[wira]

iphone i think more troublesome to sideload apps now.
after you download and install, still need go to settings menu and specify that you trust the app before it can load.
So more difficult for scammers to convince you to install the malicious app but not totally impossible.
So even iphone not 100% safe

 

[reddevil0728]

No matter what, just check that this option is disabled for all apps.

yes. but lets establish the facts first.

It means he enabled it knowingly or unknowingly.

are you disagreeing with this statement?

 

[stillgottheblues]

There are valid reasons to enable the option to install unknown app sometimes. Mine was enabled to test out an Android app that I developed. Whatever the reason to enable it, I remind myself to disable this option the moment it is no longer needed.

In normal setting allow install from unknown sources are disabled. 100% sure, unless user enabled it.

Check it under special app access in the settings.

 

[sohguanh]

Just to add on depend on the phone brand go look into relevant brand online where is the install unknown apps option. Not all brand phone is in Settings -> Unknown or More Settings etc. Mine is not but in a other path.

 

[caesium5]

If it helps, I can confirm that on my Xiaomi and Pixel phone, INSTALL UNKNOWN APPS is disabled by default.

Similarly, on my Xiaomi and Samsung tablet, INSTALL UNKNOWN APPS is also disabled by default.

 

[ylyhyh]

yes. but lets establish the facts first.


are you disagreeing with this statement?

Aiyoh, why you keep going back on this? As TS say, the important thing is to check that the dangerous setting is disabled lah.

 

[caesium5]

Those who know how to enable this option, normally are more tech savvy and knows how to disable it again after installing the unknown app.

A slightly more "dangerous" case is when someone who is no so tech savvy and following instructions "blindly". For example, when you sign up for a Singapore Pools online account.

this link is an example.

 

[ylyhyh]

Those who know how to enable this option, normally are more tech savvy and knows how to disable it again after installing the unknown app.

A slightly more "dangerous" case is when someone who is no so tech savvy and following instructions "blindly". For example, when you sign up for a Singapore Pools online account.

this link is an example.

Wah ... shocking. Why Singapore Pools cannot get their app on Play Store? Makes me think they're scam or something. Bad for their reputation.

Very unprofessional of Singapore Pools.

 

[reddevil0728]

Aiyoh, why you keep going back on this? As TS say, the important thing is to check that the dangerous setting is disabled lah.

Because the crux of the issue hasn’t been addressed.

if you are satisfy with the answer because you don’t see the need for nuance it’s ok. But the nuance matters.

 

[sohguanh]

Wah ... shocking. Why Singapore Pools cannot get their app on Play Store? Makes me think they're scam or something. Bad for their reputation.

Very unprofessional of Singapore Pools.

Reason being google has some guidelines on what kind of app is allowed in their play store. Pools is kinda betting so I presume never pass their review for whatever reasons. Hence the request to allow install unknown apps option if want to use their app.

 

[caesium5]

Sohguanh is correct. Gambling apps may not pass Google PlayStore guidelines.

In my opinion, the problem in Singapore Pools example is - the instruction is incomplete. This may result in a less secure phone, if installation is not done by a tech savvy individual - because it never tell the user to lock back the option.

 

[Mephist0pheLes]

Aiyoh, why you keep going back on this? As TS say, the important thing is to check that the dangerous setting is disabled lah.

cos sunday too free. dont know why does it matter what is the default setting.

mine was turned on, i dun even know when it was turned on, and it dosnt matter, the impt thing is i checked after reading this thread, and now i turned it off.

 

[RedsYWNA]

Wah ... shocking. Why Singapore Pools cannot get their app on Play Store? Makes me think they're scam or something. Bad for their reputation.

Very unprofessional of Singapore Pools.

Sg pools is available on App store bcos they got no choice.

Agree SG pools is being v unprofessional and irresponsible, esp as it's a key app for most oldies