Do podcast downloads through a podcatcher app on your phone actually impose a security risk? I mean, can the downloaded files be infected and compromise your phone?
Also, would you recommend not to use a podcatcher app and download files with an old android that does not receive any system updates any longer (if the phone is solely used for the podcasts, nothing else, no browsing, no phone calls, no emails, SMS, messages etc)? Or would this still be okay since no personal infos are involved?
I’m pretty sure apps are sandboxed such that contents of the app and downloads within can’t or should not pose a security issue. That’s the extent to which I know about this but someone else can answer the question better I’m sure.
I mean.. there’s nothing to recommend or not. If you’re using a device for a single purpose, depending on your threat mode, this is okay. But I would only recommend people use devices that are supported with software updates no matter what you use it for (unless you’re using your device offline as a glorified Kindle or something for your reading pleasure).
I suppose it’s possible that a podcatcher app would stitch together file parts and maybe use some known media hole (if there was such). These are near lottery ticket odds.
Your mobile browser is a bigger risk due to web complexities.
Use a well known podcatcher app, ideally one that is open source.