Android.PUA.DebugKey is mostly found in mod apps, while scanning virus with VirusTotal. If you are worried about it, here I will discuss on Android.PUA.DebugKey and clear your every doubt.
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What is Android.PUA.DebugKey?
Every application that is run on the Android platform must be signed by the developer. Applications that attempt to install without being signed will be rejected by the package installer on the Android device.
Digital signatures are used for authentication and integrity assurance of an apk file. It allows developers to identify the author of the application and to update their application without creating complicated interfaces and permissions.
Android.PUA.DebugKey warning is displayed whenever we check a apk file or app downloaded from third party sources or we are using cracked/mod versions of softwares and apps.
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| Screenshot of a warning Android.PUA.DebugKey |
Editting Android apps by third party breaks that original signature, and it needs to be sign again. Original app developer has their own signature, as for modified apps by third party, they are only signed with the debug signature. Third party developer have no way to get access the developer's original signatures.
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Some antivirus like VirusTotal use Trustlock heuristic that detects modifications that the mod apk was signed with a different key than the original and categories as Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA), therefore they shows Android.PUA.DebugKey warning.
Is Android.PUA.DebugKey dangerous?
Most of the time, it is just a false positive warning, nothing to worry about it but always take precautions and avoid using cracked and mod apps. You can also read on safety to download apps from third party sources.
Read now: Does mod apps are safe ?
One thing do note that all Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) are not safe. PUA are a category of software that can slow down your system, display advertisements unexpectedly, or, in the worst case, install other software that may be more dangerous or intrusive.
References for this article:
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