6 Important things to know before playing Pokemon Go

Pokémon GO launched just two weeks ago, and people have been getting crazy to catch 'em all.
Users, on an average, are spending more time engaged with the new Pokémon GO app than any other apps like Snapchat.
But, before downloading and playing Nintendo's new location-based augmented reality game, users are required to keep the following points in their minds:

1. Unofficial Pokémon GO app might contain Malware : Since Pokémon GO is currently available in only a few countries, many third-party gaming websites are offering tutorials due to huge interest surrounding the app, recommending users to download the APK from a non-Google Play link.
   However, researchers have discovered that many of these online tutorials are linked to malicious versions of the Pokémon GO app that install a backdoor, called DroidJack, on victim's phones, enabling hackers to compromise their device completely.

2. Protect Privacy While Using Pokémon GO : If you're playing Pokémon GO, then forget about your privacy.
   Since this augmented reality game requires your GPS location and a data connection (either WiFi or cellular data), you can not expect your privacy to be secured while playing this game.
   However, still, users can avoid playing in locations where they do not want to be tracked. Also, don't use your personal Gmail account to log in, as this links your personal information including your GPS location and Pokémon GO activity. Either use a burner Google account.
   For this, create an all new Google account, with nothing in it, and use this account to sign into Pokémon GO as well as other apps that you may find doubtful.

3. Beware of Pokémon GO-themed Malicious Apps on Google Play Store: Yes, malicious Pokémon Go apps have even made their ways into the official Google Play Store. Researchers from popular antivirus firm ESET have spotted at least three fake Pokémon Go apps on the Google Play Store. Of them, the one titled "Pokemon Go Ultimate" posed the biggest threat to Android users.

4. Go catch Pokémon, But Just Watch Out! :It's less than two weeks since the launch of Pokémon GO, and the Nintendo’s game is fueling public safety fears after the first major car crash in Auburn, New York.
   Later it was revealed that a 28-year-old car driver was reportedly playing "Pokémon GO" and got distracted, thereby ran his vehicle off the road and crashed into a tree. Lot of cases are reported regarding same.

5. Pokémon GO: Crimes, Robberies, Deaths & Other Problems : The game craze has been blamed for several robberies of distracted smartphone players.
   Pokémon GO sends players out to capture the virtual Pokémon characters that are superimposed in parks, streets, stores as well as inappropriate locations like the Holocaust Memorial Museum, 9/11 Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, as reported by CNN.

6. Pokémon GO Cheats, Hacks, Punishment and Bans : Since Pokémon GO has taken the world by storm with gamers of all ages joining in with the Pokémon catching fun, players are making use of Pokémon hack and cheats to catch Pokémons with fewer efforts.
   This augmented reality game requires gamers to walk around homes, parks and local surroundings to find new Pokémon, as well as achieve goals like hatching incubating eggs.
   One can find the most common Pokémon in the distance of 2km eggs, with the rarest ones in the 10km eggs. This means you are required to walk a lot if you want to advance in the game.
   So, players are using tricks like placing their phones on a record player or tieing their phones with a fan in order to increase their walking distance in no time at all.
   In fact, tech-savvy players are spoofing their GPS locations with rooted and jailbroken devices, so that they can catch Pokémon without physically going to locations where the imaginary characters are actually located.
   However, before using these cheats, players should be aware of the fact that they can be banned for up to five hours from playing the game.

Play the game the right way. Gotta catch 'em all!