Let\u2019s get this out of the way first: Pok\u00e9mon Go is fun. There\u2019s no denying this. You can find colorful, digital creatures of all shapes and sizes in your background, your office, your shower and around your city. You can\u2019t even go outside without crossing at least one person playing the game. But, like so many uber-popular apps, Pok\u00e9mon Go has its problems\u2014both in the real world and the virtual world. Here, we\u2019ll cover three threats Pok\u00e9mon Go users should address so you can stop worrying and focus on catching \u2018em all:<\/p>\n
1. Real-World Crimes<\/strong><\/p>\n Pok\u00e9mon Go encourages players to visit so-called Pok\u00e9 Stops in the real world where they can grab useful items for gameplay. Unfortunately, some nefarious players have used these pinned locations in the United States to rob unsuspecting players at gunpoint. There\u2019s no problem in enjoying this nostalgia-filled throwback to your childhood, but keep the adult in you aware of your surroundings and alert when you\u2019re exploring.<\/p>\n Only go where you know you won\u2019t be alone (such as a popular park), avoid Poke Stops that make you feel uncomfortable or are found in unfamiliar places, and avoid trespassing on other people\u2019s property. As game creator, Niantic Labs, says: \u201cWe encourage all people playing Pok\u00e9mon GO to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. Pervasive Personal Data<\/strong><\/p>\n To play the game, users have to share their locations and personal data with the app. The game\u2019s creator reserves the right to do with that information whatever they see fit\u2014they can even share it with third parties if they see the need. In fact, within the first week of its release, some users reported the game having full access to information on the Google accounts used to sign in – a bug that has since been fixed.<\/p>\n While this in itself isn\u2019t cause for alarm, and it isn\u2019t entirely uncommon for apps like Pok\u00e9mon Go to collect user data, it helps to be careful. This particular app\u2019s massive popularity might mean that you\u2019ll need to take extra precautions<\/a> <\/strong>when giving out permissions to collect personal info – such as using a burner email address specifically for playing the game.<\/p>\n 3. Crafty Malware<\/strong><\/p>\n Malware creators started targeting Pok\u00e9mon Go almost immediately after it first was released. A remote access tool called \u201cDroidJack\u201d that allowed hackers to take over players\u2019 phones was detected early on in an online file storage service. Although that particular piece of malware hasn\u2019t been reported to have invaded users\u2019 phones yet, it likely will be only one of many created with the intention of duping Pokemon players.<\/p>\n Hackers have also created plenty of ingenious schemes<\/a><\/strong>, posting messages on blogs about ways generate unlimited Pok\u00e9coins. Remember, if you read about anything online that seems too good to be true, it usually is.<\/p>\n