This is a warning that we not only access App stores from our phones, but smart TVs, smart speakers, voice assistants, games consoles, computers and other devices all have app stores we use.
Application Stores – NCSC.GOV.UK
If there are any weaknesses in these various app stores, then you can bet the bad actors will exploit them as a way to get to us.
Here is the report – it is worth a read:
Threat report on application stores.pdf (ncsc.gov.uk)
It has examples of compromised software from the Microsoft and Google stores and the “walled garden” Apple store – so iOS users are not exempt. Alexa and FitBit also get a mention.
The top advice is be cautious, use only the legitimate stores (with the above caveat) and choose only mainstream apps – but that can be difficult to determine. Avoid sideloading from third party stores or websites.
