Latest news with #APK
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
How to Update APK Files Without Losing Data
APK (Android Package) files allow users to install Android apps manually without using the Google Play Store. Whether you're using a beta app, an app not available in your country, or a modified version, it's important to know how to keep it updated. But one major concern when updating APKs manually is losing app data including settings, login information, saved content, and in app progress. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to update APK files without losing data, step by step, along with tips to ensure a smooth and safe process. There are several reasons why users prefer or need to update APK files manually: The app is not available on the Play Store The latest version hasn't reached your region yet You're using a modified version (e.g., ad-free or unlocked) The app was removed from Play Store due to policy reasons Manual updates give you more control over the version you install but you must handle them carefully to avoid data loss. Yes, you can update an APK file without losing app data as long as: The package name of the new APK matches the one currently installed. You don't uninstall the old version before installing the new one. The new version is signed with the same certificate as the original APK. If all these conditions are met, Android will treat it as a regular update and preserve your app data. Here's a simple and safe method to update your APK while keeping everything intact: Even though the process is safe, it's always best to back up your data. You can do this using: Android's built-in backup system Third-party backup apps Cloud backup options like Google Drive This will help restore everything if something goes wrong during the update. Make sure to get the latest APK version from a trusted source. Ensure that the file: Has the same package name as the currently installed version Is not a clone or modified with a different signature, unless you're aware of the changes Is compatible with your Android version This is one of the most important steps. Do not uninstall the current app before installing the new APK. Uninstalling will erase all user data associated with the app. Instead, you will install the new APK over the existing app, allowing Android to update it while preserving your data. If you haven't done this already: Go to Settings > Security Enable Install Unknown Apps for the browser or file manager you're using On newer Android versions, this permission is granted per app (e.g., Chrome, Files, etc.). Once permissions are set: Locate the downloaded APK using your File Manager Tap on the APK file Tap Install when prompted If everything checks out, Android will show a message saying that the app is being updated rather than installed from scratch. After installation: Open the app Check if your data (login info, preferences, progress) is still intact Go to the app's settings or 'About' section to confirm the version update If everything looks good, you've successfully updated your APK without losing data. Cause: This usually happens when the APK's signature doesn't match the currently installed version. Android blocks installation to protect user data. Solution: Make sure you're using an APK with the same digital signature If you're switching from an original version to a modded version (or vice versa), you may have to uninstall the old app, which will delete your data unless backed up Cause: Incompatibility between the new version and stored data. Solution: Try clearing the app cache and data If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the app (after backing up data) Cause: The APK has a different package name, making it a separate app. Solution: Use the correct APK that matches the original app's package name Avoid 'clone' APKs unless you intend to run multiple versions Check changelogs and version compatibility before updating Use apps like APKMirror Installer for complex installs (e.g., split APKs) Avoid beta or experimental versions unless you're willing to risk instability Keep a copy of the old APK, so you can roll back if needed Enable Play Protect or use mobile antivirus tools to scan APKs Updating APK files manually is a great way to stay ahead of official releases or enjoy features not available in your region. However, it's essential to follow the correct method to avoid losing your valuable data and get free social media follower. By backing up your device, downloading from safe sources, and installing the APK correctly without uninstalling the previous version you can easily update APK files without losing data. As Android continues to evolve, mastering this skill gives you greater control over your apps and overall device experience. Just be cautious, stay informed, and enjoy the benefits of Android's open ecosystem. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
This Android malware poses as real apps to take you to dangerous sites and flood your phone with spam
A new version of the Konfety malware that attacks the best Android phones now uses distorted APK files as well as other methods in order to avoid being detected and analyzed. As reported by Bleeping Computer, this latest Konfety malware strain, which is neither spyware nor a remote access trojan, can pretend it is a legitimate app by copying both the branding and names of real apps from the Google Play Store. Konfety mimics real products available on the Play Store, though it does not reproduce the same functionality of those apps. Likewise, it's distributed and promoted through third-party stores. This is a method that researchers have sometimes called a 'decoy twin' or 'evil twin' tactic, and is exactly why it is recommended to only download software from trusted publishers and to avoid installing APK files from third-party app stores. Still, some users will resort to searching on these marketplaces for supposedly free versions of popular apps either because they don't have access to Google services as their Android device isn't supported or because they don't want to pay for legitimate software. Here's everything you need to know about this new Android threat including some tips and tricks to help keep your phone safe from hackers and malware free. Once Konfety has been installed on a victim's device it uses a malformed ZIP structure to avoid analysis and detection, and will begin its malicious behavior. It can redirect users to dangerous websites, install unwanted apps and provide fake browser notifications. Additionally, it can produce ads using a CaramelAds SKD and exfiltrate device data like installed apps, network configuration and system information. Thanks to the capabilities of this latest version, it can also hide its app icon and name, and then use geofencing to alter its behavior depending on the region the device is located in. It performs all its nefarious hidden features courtesy of an encrypted DEX file inside the APK which is loaded and decrypted during runtime, and contains hidden services declared in the AndroidManifest file which allows for the delivery of more dangerous modules. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Konfety also manipulates the APK files to confuse and break static analysis and reverse engineering tools by signaling that the file is encrypted when it is not, which triggers a false password prompt when trying to inspect the file. This can block or delay access to the APKs contents. Next, critical files within the APK are declared using BZIP compression, which is not supported by analysis tools and this results in a parsing failure. Android ignores the declared method and returns to the default processing which allows Konfety to install and run on the device without issue. First and foremost, to avoid falling victim to the Konfety malware and other Android malware strains, it's essential that you don't sideload apps on your devices. While it may seem convenient, doing so puts you at serious risk from malware, adware, spyware and other threats. The reason being is that sideloaded apps from third-party app stores or those downloaded as APK files don't go through the same rigorous security checks that they would on the Google Play Store or other first-party app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store. From there, you want to make sure that Google Play Protect is enabled on your Android phone. This pre-installed security app scans all of your existing apps and any new ones you download for malware. For extra protection though, you may also want to install and run one of the best Android antivirus apps alongside it. Malicious apps are one of the easiest ways for hackers and other cybercriminals to establish a foothold on your devices, so they likely won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it's up to you to carefully vet each and every app you download and install. You also want to keep in mind that if an app sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By sticking to official, first-party app stores and by limiting the number of apps you have installed on your phone overall, you should be able to safely avoid this new version of Konfety and other Android malware strains entirely. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Illegal betting apps thrive underground despite ban
Vijayawada: Despite a ban on online betting platforms in Andhra Pradesh, illegal betting apps continue to thrive underground, fuelled by the unchecked circulation of APK (Android Package Kit) files. Experts and law enforcement agencies warn that beyond the lure of easy money, these apps pose serious cyber threats, endangering users' financial data, device security, and even national digital infrastructure. The state govt categorically banned online gambling and betting under state-specific laws. In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming (Amendment) Act criminalised online betting. These laws empower police to arrest individuals for promoting or participating in online betting. However, enforcement is outpaced by technology. With these apps not available on the Google Play Store due to policy violations, developers resort to distributing APK files via Telegram, WhatsApp, YouTube video descriptions, pop-up websites, and even pirated movie streaming platforms. "Users install these APKs by bypassing Android security warnings. They grant full permissions, often unknowingly giving access to their SMS inbox, contacts, photos, and even UPI apps," says a cybercrime officer from the state cyber crime division. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "These apps are often cloned versions of popular betting platforms. Their interfaces look legitimate, but in the background, the data theft begins as soon as you click 'Allow Permissions'," the officer added. On the ground, the reality is grim. Despite the ban, youth across Vijayawada, Guntur, and other places across the state are drawn into betting via apps linked to cricket matches, virtual casinos, teen patti, or fantasy sports. During IPL or World Cup seasons, cybercrime complaints spike. A 22-year-old engineering student from Guntur, requesting anonymity, said he lost over 3.5 lakh to an online poker app downloaded through a Telegram group. "It started with small wins. Then I was told to deposit more to unlock VIP access. One day, the app stopped working, and I couldn't withdraw a single rupee. Later, my Paytm account showed suspicious transactions."
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- The Hindu
Retired Army officer loses ₹1.2 lakh in 10 minutes after downloading APK file to pay traffic challan
A 49-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Indian Army lost over ₹1.2 lakh after unknowingly installing a malicious mobile application disguised as an official traffic fine notification. On July 6, 2025, the retired officer in Hyderabad received a message via WhatsApp containing an APK file ' The message claimed to be from an official traffic enforcement agency and alleged that his vehicle had violated traffic rules, requiring an immediate payment of ₹1,000. Believing the message to be legitimate and assuming he may have unknowingly committed a violation, the victim downloaded and installed the file on his phone. Within minutes of installing it, between 7.15 p.m. and 7.25 p.m., the victim noticed two unauthorised transactions on his SBI credit card - ₹60,104 through Amazon Pay India Pvt Ltd and ₹60,305 via resulting in a total loss of ₹1,20,409. The fraudulent purchases were made without his knowledge or consent, by stealing sensitive bank information through the APK file. A case was booked by the cybercrime wing of the Hyderabad police and an investigation initiated. Following the incident, the police issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain cautious about suspicious messages demanding payment of traffic fines via external apps or links. Authorities do not circulate APK files Authorities clarified that government agencies, including the Transport Department, do not circulate APK files for enforcement or to collect fines. Citizens were advised to refrain from downloading such files from unverified sources and instead check the official Transport Department or traffic police websites to verify any such claims. Helpline to report cybercrime Victims of cyber fraud can contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or file complaints at For immediate assistance, Hyderabad residents may also reach out to the cybercrime police at 8712665171 via call or WhatsApp.
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
T'ganu cops probing 25 lucky draw scam cases
KUALA TERENGGANU: Police have opened 25 investigation papers related to a lucky draw scam involving losses amounting to RM782,616. Terengganu police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said the syndicate had illegally used the name of a local bank to commit the offences between January and June this year. He said victims received a link to download an APK (Android Package Kit) file via social media, which, when clicked, either directed them to a fake website or immediately downloaded the malicious APK file. 'This action allows the suspects to gain full control of the victim's device, enabling them to read TAC/OTP messages sent by the bank and access banking or e-wallet applications. 'The suspect would then carry out repeated transactions without the victim's knowledge, causing losses amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit,' he said in a statement, Bernama reported. DCP Mohd Khairi said the police are working with banks and Bank Negara to trace the transactions and identify the mule account holders. He advised the public not to fall for suspicious offers on social media. 'Never share OTP information with anyone, and immediately report to the Scam Response Centre at 997, or via the portal he said.
