Without a doubt, “Pokémon Go” has had an explosive launch, with millions of players trying to download and use the app since it was released last week. The response was so overwhelming, in fact, that the servers couldn’t keep up and was experiencing crashes for three days. Patricia Hernandez over at Kotaku wasn’t particularly thrilled with not being able to play the augmented reality game properly, but it seems a lot of other people were able to see what all the fuss is about. Unfortunately, the rabid desire to get the app in places where it isn’t available yet has resulted in the spread of a malicious version via APK files.
Outside of Japan, the only places where “Pokémon Go” has been officially released is New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. However, many outside of those countries are desperate to try the game, which is why players have been sharing APK files to their friends in other places, according to Gizmodo. These files will then allow these players to use the app in their respective areas.
However, the security firm “Proofpoint” discovered that one of the APK files being shared contains code that has been modified in order to create a back door to Android devices called “DroidJack.” In an official post, “Proofpoint” discussed the full implications of this infected APK version, including providing the creators complete remote access to the device.
As a result, the security firm is warning users about downloading APK files from unofficial, third-party websites. To be clear, the act of downloading APK files from these sites will not automatically infect the device. However, it does increase the risks significantly.
Android Police actually posted the APK source that they use, which the site assures readers is completely safe. However, with caution being a particularly valuable trait in the age of digital security threats, waiting for the official release of the game is the best way for users to make sure that they are getting a safe copy of “Pokémon Go.”


Unitree Shares Plunge 45% After Blockbuster IPO, Raising China Tech Bubble Fears
Trump Buys SpaceX Shares After Record IPO
Google Expands Gemini Enterprise With AI Tools for Legal Sector
BofA Names ASML Top Semiconductor Equipment Pick on Growth, Valuation
SoftBank Plans Record $6.3 Billion Bond Sale to Fund OpenAI Investments
Samsung Shares Tumble 8% as $79 Billion Return Plan Disappoints
OpenAI AI Agent Swarm Behind Hugging Face Hack
Nvidia Options Price in $280 Billion Earnings Swing
Meta, U.S. States Discuss Settlement in Teen Addiction Trial
New Zealand Moves to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16
Xiaomi Unveils Xring O3 Chip for Flagship Foldable Phone
New Zealand Labour Backs Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Countries Tighten Social Media Bans for Children
Nvidia Reportedly Eyes $13 Billion Hugging Face Acquisition
PayPal Shares Sink as $50 Billion Takeover Bid Collapses 



