HMS - Petal search is it safe?

[wakawaka89]

Hello,

I keep hearing people say petal search isnt safe, i heard that it has 4 levels of security! Thoughts?

 

[xTlex]

I've had my P40 Pro for a couple of months now and never seen any problem with the apps I download from there. I like that it allows me to choose whether to update or not as well.

 

[sjtechhart]

I actually think it might be safer than other phones actually. Since i got my P40 Pro I've been installing the apps and lets just say some of my apps from my old phone might not have been from the play store either. With those apps when you are installing them on a play store phone it leaves you on your own with regards to security as you're not getting the app from the play store. But on my P40 I've noticed no matter where I've got the APK from it scans it exactly the same way as it does when i get the app from the Huawei App Gallery. So i actually feel that my P40 Pro is more secure than any phone I've had before.

 

[hiyamom]

I've been hearing the same things about security. But considering the app gallery is pretty secure I'd expect another app made by Huawei to offer the same level of security.

 

[Mooncatt]

From my understanding, Petal Search is only a search engine similar to Google. Apps downloaded from it are coming from the same unofficial third party mirroring sites you can access in Chrome, so you still run the same risks. While it may have some sort of scanner built in (as does Google with Play Protect), something malicious could still make it past. The fact you are not getting those apps direct from the developer or one of their official release platforms actually makes it less safe than via Google Play.

 

[SamRH1]

I'm using it and for me after looking into it, it feels no different than an app store?

They are taking the necessary procautions from where I'm sitting.

 

[xTlex]

From my understanding, Petal Search is only a search engine similar to Google. Apps downloaded from it are coming from the same unofficial third party mirroring sites you can access in Chrome, so you still run the same risks. While it may have some sort of scanner built in (as does Google with Play Protect), something malicious could still make it past. The fact you are not getting those apps direct from the developer or one of their official release platforms actually makes it less safe than via Google Play.

I see what you mean, if they do have the same as, or equivalent to Play Protect, seems good enough.

 

[alex2l]

Hi there – I work at Huawei so would love to help you with this question. Petal Search – Find Apps covers all search results and displays info that’s published online. The ranking of results is based on Natural Langue Processing and with Petal Search (specifically APKs), the newest version of the app will be listed first.

We treat security as the top priority of Petal Search – Find Apps; from solutions of cloud based security testing in labs to device protection for apps downloaded – to ensure apps are safe. When installing APKs via third parties, our Optimiser will scan for viruses and instantly inform the user of any risks. The Optimiser will also continue to scan regularly to detect any risks as well as keeping users up to date with the quality of the apps running on the HMS device.

I hope this helps but of course let me know if you need more info and I can do my best to help you out.

 

[sjtechhart]

But the device is scanning the APK after its been downloaded and before it installs it much like an anti virus software would. This doesn't happen afaik on google play devices because they rely on the play store and play protect (which to the best of my knowledge doesn't scan sideloaded apks) to stop that sort of thing. We've all read the horror stories of apps coming directly from the play store and apple app store for that matter being straight up malware. If Huawei are scanning all the APKs that are being installed on the device and its scanning is good and catches issues then in my opinion it would make it more secure.

 

[sjtechhart]

Thanks ALex2l its great to hear from someone direct. You must have posted that as i was typing my reply that's came in after you posted. Great that I was on the right track. Cheers

 

[xTlex]

Hi there – I work at Huawei so would love to help you with this question. Petal Search – Find Apps covers all search results and displays info that’s published online. The ranking of results is based on Natural Langue Processing and with Petal Search (specifically APKs), the newest version of the app will be listed first.

We treat security as the top priority of Petal Search – Find Apps; from solutions of cloud based security testing in labs to device protection for apps downloaded – to ensure apps are safe. When installing APKs via third parties, our Optimiser will scan for viruses and instantly inform the user of any risks. The Optimiser will also continue to scan regularly to detect any risks as well as keeping users up to date with the quality of the apps running on the HMS device.

I hope this helps but of course let me know if you need more info and I can do my best to help you out.

Wow, didn't expect that. That's actually pretty cool. Good info, I'll spread the word.

 

[hiyamom]

Wow! Great to have someone from Huawei itself weigh in

 

[sjtechhart]

Wow! Great to have someone from Huawei itself weigh in

Indeed. I couldn't agree more!

 

[sjtechhart]

was a great reply from Alex2L from Huawei. Thanks.