4 ms·

Everyone I know (hint: they're in the bay area and even if not all techies, they kinda know a bit computer stuff) disable that option (forever, indeed) and inst

by zobzu 12y ago

Everyone I know (hint: they're in the bay area and even if not all techies, they kinda know a bit computer stuff) disable that option (forever, indeed) and installs APKs from their favorite non-Google-Play source. I'm pretty sure they added this option as an enforcement to use only Play. I would be surprised to see Google adding trusted sources. I do not believe that it's OK to kill competition in the name of so-called security. On the other hand my mum doesnt know that option yet got Play malware pretty quickly. Go figure. Think of the Children! :)

Nursie 12y ago
I know nobody that would uncheck the option unless they were very sure of the source, and then turn it back off again. I've been to websites that automatically trigger the download of an apk to your phone. Without that setting it is only one or two wrong clicks and you've got all sorts of malware on your device. It's not about competition, running a phone with that option switched off is dangerous.
- 1stop 12y ago
  Automatically triggering an apk download is just that... a download. An install (from opening said apk) triggers a fullscreen dialog of what you are installing, it's access, and whether you are sure...? It isn't dangerous at all, you can't 'accidently' install an apk. It is a very intentional, multi-step, action.
  - Nursie 12y ago
    Of course you could. You (an uninformed user, not a hacker) go to see what the notification you just got is about and tap on it. It's then only one more click to install. Much easier and safer to have third party stuff disabled entirely. I think there should be a way to install third party certificates for things like the amazon store, don't get me wrong, but it's a decent security feature for the uninformed masses.
    - 1stop 12y ago
      But you aren't an 'uninformed user' you've gone to the app section of settings and intentionally clicked "I want to install third party apps" and then intentionally clicked "Yes, I know this isn't a great idea". So chances are, on the spectrum you are more hacker than uninformed user.
      - Nursie 12y ago
        Androi is not just aimed at me though, extra protection for the uninformed is not a bad thing. IMHO.
- SteveMoody73 12y ago
  It's been a while since i've installed from unknown sources but doesn't it give a prompt asking if you want the apk scanned for malicious apps?
  - Nursie 12y ago
    I've never seen such a prompt when install third party stuff, no. There might be an 'are you sure?' dialog.
  - bentcorner 12y ago
    There's a "Verify Apps" checkbox that I've seen that purportedly does this. I think the first time you install an app from outside the play store the OS will prompt you to enable this checkbox.

by zobzu 12y ago

Nursie 12y ago

I know nobody that would uncheck the option unless they were very sure of the source, and then turn it back off again. I've been to websites that automatically trigger the download of an apk to your phone. Without that setting it is only one or two wrong clicks and you've got all sorts of malware on your device. It's not about competition, running a phone with that option switched off is dangerous.

1stop 12y ago
Automatically triggering an apk download is just that... a download. An install (from opening said apk) triggers a fullscreen dialog of what you are installing, it's access, and whether you are sure...? It isn't dangerous at all, you can't 'accidently' install an apk. It is a very intentional, multi-step, action.
- Nursie 12y ago
  Of course you could. You (an uninformed user, not a hacker) go to see what the notification you just got is about and tap on it. It's then only one more click to install. Much easier and safer to have third party stuff disabled entirely. I think there should be a way to install third party certificates for things like the amazon store, don't get me wrong, but it's a decent security feature for the uninformed masses.
  - 1stop 12y ago
    But you aren't an 'uninformed user' you've gone to the app section of settings and intentionally clicked "I want to install third party apps" and then intentionally clicked "Yes, I know this isn't a great idea". So chances are, on the spectrum you are more hacker than uninformed user.
    - Nursie 12y ago
      Androi is not just aimed at me though, extra protection for the uninformed is not a bad thing. IMHO.
SteveMoody73 12y ago
It's been a while since i've installed from unknown sources but doesn't it give a prompt asking if you want the apk scanned for malicious apps?
- Nursie 12y ago
  I've never seen such a prompt when install third party stuff, no. There might be an 'are you sure?' dialog.
- bentcorner 12y ago
  There's a "Verify Apps" checkbox that I've seen that purportedly does this. I think the first time you install an app from outside the play store the OS will prompt you to enable this checkbox.