Fake mobile apps are Android or iOS applications that mimic the look and/or functionality of legitimate applications to trick users to install them. Fake apps are created by cybercriminals and contain malicious code designed to steal your data. Regardless of how a cybercriminal uses a fake app to exploit you, the result always involves damage to your data privacy.
When you install a third-party app, it requests permission to access your data. Fake apps exploit this to gain access to your personal information, often without your knowledge.
Fake apps can be distributed in multiple ways. They are hosted on third-party app stores or circulated through social engineering campaigns. Even official app stores are used to distribute fake apps, despite the security measures they have implemented.
The problem is that many people cannot distinguish a fake app from a real one. That’s why many fall victim to this attack. Here are the ways you can spot a fake app on an app store:
- Check the app name and the developer who published the app on the app store. See if there misspelled words, or the logo looks different from the real app.
- Check the reviews. If the app rating is low, and many users complain about experiencing problems with their devices since downloading the app, it’s a red flag.
- Look at the publish date of the app. A real app usually shows an ‘updated on’ date.
- Read the description. Apps with descriptions that contain misspelled words or look like they were generated by a bot should make you suspicious.
- Visit the app’s website and look for the option ‘Download our app,’ which will lead you to the respective app where you will be able to download the authentic app.
