Is Snaptube Safe to Use? A Closer Look at the Video Downloading APK.

Snaptube has become a go-to platform for users around the world to download videos. It provides a convenient way to download videos more efficiently. However, with the large number of users of Snaptube APK, a valid question arises, “is Snaptube safe to use?”

This article is going to focus on what is Snaptube. What does it bring to the table for users? What are the serious safety concerns on this APK? What do cyber security experts say about this app?

Table of contents:

• What is Snaptube?
• Why Snaptube is Convenient?
• Where to Download Snaptube?
• Is Snaptube Safe to Use?
• Cyber Complaint at SMEX Digital Security Help Desk.
• Privacy policy.
• Access to Internal Data.
• Cyber Security Experts Advice.
• Malware Installation.
• Installation of Antivirus.
• Case Studies.
• Conclusion.

What is Snaptube?

Snaptube is an APK that is widely used by 40 million users to download videos from various online platforms. It was developed by China-based-Mobiuspace in November 2014. Users can download videos on their smartphones and PC with the resolution ranging from 144p, 720p, 1080p HD, 2K HD, and 4K HD.

Moreover, not only this APK can download videos from popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, etc but it also lets users convert videos into audio files. This becomes another plus point for this APK.

Snaptube can easily convert video files into MP3. However, it also downloads audio in MP3 and M4. This gives a range of convenience and variety for users. Now, one can listen to offline music without any interruption.

Why Snaptube is convenient?

Snaptube is popular among internet users for its efficient and convenient use. Following are the reasons listed below:

• It is free to download.
• It does not cost users to download videos, audio, and converting videos into audio.
• It provides access to watch videos and listen to music offline.
• It provides different video formats reliable for data storage.
• It can easily convert video files into audio.
• You can download your desired media easily.
• You can have an offline access to videos and audio.

Where to Download Snaptube?

Snaptube is a third-party app and it does not exist on Google Play Store anymore because it violates Google’s guidelines. YouTube has a policy which says it is illegal to download the videos. Since Youtube falls under Google, Google had to remove this application from the Play store.

There are various websites to download Snaptube APK including the original website. There are multiple clone versions of this app on third-party websites. One can find Snaptube APK for Android and Snaptube APK for PC. However, this APK cannot be found for iOS and neither on Apple store.

Despite that, it is said that it is better to download the Snaptube APK from the official website. However, it comes with a number of risks which can bring out many hacking trends.

Is Snaptube Safe to Use?

As a third-party app, Snaptube brings along many risks of viruses, causing potential harm to your device. This APK can install malware without users’ knowledge.

Since this app does not exist on the Google Play Store, this leads people to download it from third-party websites. There are multiple clones of this APK which brings in multiple hacking trends.

Similar apps like VidMate and TubeMate were exposed to install hidden viruses in users’ devices. They also violate Google’s policy hence they do not exist in Play Store as well.

Despite the popularity and wide use of Snaptube, certain cyber complaints started to be filed against this app. People noticed some suspicious activities after using this APK. On investigation, it was found that the app was secretly installing malware. This malware can put data privacy at risk.

A Security Company in London named “Upstream” has disclosed a case that appeared in the SMEX Digital Security Help desk.

Cyber Complaint at SMEX Digital Security Help Desk:

The app’s owner claims that this app is safe for you. However, people started noticing something odd in their devices.

A case related to cybercrime was filed at SMEX. On investigation, it was found that malware was installed into the device unknown to the user. The said application was leaking personal data contrary to showing invisible ads. Moreover, some subscriptions to premium purchases were also made. This all took place anonymously, unknown to the user.

This virus used the background click technique to silently sign up for premium purchases. Through this, the app maker was generating a handsome amount by consuming private data and mobile batteries. The estimated amount is said to be $100M.

Although the owner of the APK made multiple claims of “safe to use”, however, on further investigation, they found the following.

· Privacy Policy:

Even after the claims of Snaptube being safe and encrypted, it was revealed that this app does not have any privacy policy. They pointed their fingers at a third-party SDK code, named Mango.

Mango, a known malware, is embedded into Snaptube. It is the same SDK that was previously found in 2 other applications, commonly known as 4shared; a cloud storage app, and Vidmate; similar to Snaptube.

After this research, the claim “safe to use” has lost its meaning.

· Access to internal details:

This app asks for access to external storage, placing phone calls, and location. It can easily put a user’s data privacy in danger. It can get easy access to the contacts and can place and answer the calls.

Easy access to these functions can put data privacy at a high risk. This resulted in the leaking of the personal information of the users.

This problem can only be identified if:

• The usage of data suddenly increases.
• The device starts to heat up.
• Receiving skeptical texts thanking users for purchasing the premium.
• The battery starts draining more rapidly than usual.
• The device starts to act weirdly.

So, if anyone notices such signs in the device, one should consider checking the internal system of the device.

Cyber Security Experts Advice:

After revealing the hazardous actions of Snaptube, experts’ advice about staying away from this application. Not only this application but also it is better to stay away from similar apps.

For the protection of one’s privacy, prevent downloading every other third-party application as they bring along serious cyber threats. These third-party applications can give rise to various hacking trends which can result in serious crimes like identity thefts.

Malware Installation:

Malware like Blackshades, Trojan, Triada, Mango, Worms, Spyware, and multiple viruses possess these applications. Not only they can get access to your location but they can also attack your bank account details.

These can be easily installed anonymously with a single click. Hence, it is advised to not click any unknown link. Download applications from official sources only i.e., Apple’s app store and Google’s Play store. Since apps in official sources follow the safety guidelines, they do not bring hacking trends and virus threats with them.

Installation of antivirus:

Install secure antivirus software on your device. Keep checking it and update it every so often. In this way, the device will be protected every time.

Antivirus programs like McAfee, Bitdefender, Nortons (for Windows), and Malwarebytes help in keeping the device safe from external threats and viruses.

A device without any antivirus program can put personal data details at serious risk. Keep them up-to-date for them to function more efficiently.

Case studies:

Since this case of Snaptube has raised awareness, with its increasing popularity, this case has put on a negative effect on the app. Hidden malware and the leaking of data overshadowed the app’s popularity to an extent.

Even after exposing the cyber crimes, things are getting worse giving rise to more malicious activities. It is encouraged to delete Snaptube and other such apps from your device. Only download applications from trustworthy sources. Thoroughly check the reviews and search for the privacy policy before installing any application on your device.

Keep reviewing the apps that are already installed on your phone. Also, check the reviews before updating any app. Check for the authenticity thoroughly then take a step forward to act.

Conclusion:

Although, this case has given a proper lesson, however, people out there are installing third-party apps for their convenience. We do not promote it at any cost. Be cautious while going through such programs.

These familiar horrendous acts are increasing day by day in today’s world. Users might enjoy access to the media offline, however, frauds and scams are getting more margin to attack. Suspicious transactions can generate handsome revenue by delivering invisible ads and background clicks.

Hence the creators are taking steps to solve the problems. They also warned users about the counterfeit versions. Their firm believes in creating value for the users leading them to take further initiative to collaborate with security companies. This way they can monitor the activities and prevent fraudulent activities.