Beware of fake applications that steal information

The apps that are often impersonated are popular apps like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, etc. Hackers will create fake apps with identical interfaces, then install malicious code, add "spam" ads, and secretly monitor users' devices. Although malicious apps often appear on third-party stores, bad guys can still distribute them on official stores. For example, a series of fake ChatGPT apps appeared on the App Store and Google Play before OpenAI officially released.

Here are some steps users should take to avoid downloading fake apps.

Check the logo and description

Counterfeit apps often mimic the look and color of the original app. Look closely and don't be fooled by low-quality, fake versions of the real logo.

Sift through the information and screenshots in the app description and compare them to what the developer’s official website provides. Legitimate app developers will usually be careful to avoid typos and errors in the description.

Original app and fake app (right)

Check app downloads

If a popular app has suspiciously low downloads, it's probably fake. Since real apps have been around for a long time, they should have high downloads.

Review the license agreement

Read the permissions agreement carefully before downloading an app. Cybercriminals often ask for unnecessary additional permissions to steal information and track users.

If you accidentally download a fake app, you should quickly delete it, restart your phone, and report it to the app store. If you want to be extra safe, perform a factory reset to remove any malicious apps from your device.

Read reviews

Be wary of apps with low ratings and lots of user complaints. However, hackers can also create fake reviews themselves. These are often short, similar, or unrelated to the app in question.

Check the app developer

Although official app stores have strict vetting procedures, cybercriminals still have ways to bypass the censors. Therefore, users should search for the developer's name on Google to assess its reputation. Sometimes, bad guys will intentionally change the name by 1-2 letters from the real developer. To be safe, visit the developer's official website and look for the app download link.

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