Recent findings demonstrate how cybercriminals have refined their methods in repurposing seemingly legitimate malware applications, from fake camera editor software to VPN services.
Meta has recently warned to uninstall over 400 malicious mobile applications following discovering that these tools were designed to steal people''s Facebook login credentials. Both the harmful services were so well-crafted that they even dodged the privacy check of Google''s Play Store and Apple''s App Store.
Avast, an antivirus company, discovered over 80 scam applications on Apple''s App Store a year after its findings were presented to Apple. Despite, dozens of tools exceeding 300,000 downloads have been found guilty of carrying three types of malware.
Even if you''re requesting the best VPN, everybody may be tricked into downloading a fake app and exposeing their information.
This is why, for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we''ve given seven recommendations on how to stay away from malicious applications and protect your anonymity when your data is compromised.
1.Be aware of malicious apps'''' red flags
While hackers are becoming more sophisticated and smarter in constructing legitimate-seeming fake apps, dangerous software can still be seen by attentive users. This is because they generally have several common features that you should be aware of. Below are the most common red flags:
As a result of the app''s use, social media credentials are required.
The fact that you need this information for using your new photo editor should be an alarming factor. Many legitimate websites may ask you to join in with Facebook in a secure manner, but this will never be the only option.
Reputation in the App Store
Don''t be fooled by its high ratings - hackers often produce fraudulent positive reviews to increase their app''s overall reputation. Instead, you should take the time to review all user feedback, especially the negative ones. If it''s a malware app, it''s very probable that someone else has already detected this bug.
Discordance between its promised and the one that is delivered
As soon as you download a new app on your device, there is a strong red flag to look for. Do you believe that the functionality mentioned in the title doesn''t match what it is, or do you correct it? Before you give it access to your personal information, delete the application.
2.Run antivirus software
Malware removal or antivirus software are the tools you want to use to remove any danger on your device. You should keep it in the background so that you don''t have to worry about such situations in the future.
There isn''t even a waste of time to spend money, as adequate antivirus services are fairly affordable these days. You may choose from a fullinternet security suite, to get the best value for money and protect all your devices from potential online hazards.
3.Reset your device
The process of resetting your smartphone or tablet is usually only used as a last resort as it erases all data. All dangerous apps and/or malware will be removed from your phone or tablet. Backup your files with cloud storage, head to settings, and proceed to the factory reset.
Reinstalling all of your favorite software may be a pain, but the importance of data security is important.
4.Change your passwords
Once you realize that your social media account or device itself has been hacked, you can be almost certain that your passwords have been exposed. Create new, stronger passwords for all your online accounts, and never use the same for different services.
These should be maintained regularly as a rule of thumb. You may want to consider a good password manager to keep you on top of your digital hygiene. Secure VPN services, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, even offer this as an additional feature at no extra cost.
5.Enable two-factor authentication
Establishing a two-factor authentication (FA) helps to ensure that you demonstrate your identity twice, which prevents bad actors from entering your profile.
This is already a common procedure for safeguarding your email account, for example, and most social media platforms are now offering a lot of security. These include Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
6.Turn on new device login alerts
Every time your account is accessed from a new device, you''ll receive an email. This means that you''ll quickly realize if your account has been compromised and be able to operate accordingly.
7.Report malicious applications
After obtaining all of your sensitive information and gaining control over your device and/or account, there''s another action to take: reporting the issue. Meta also has a specific Data Abuse Bounty program (opens in a new tab) for these situations.
By leaving a negative review, you should also point the application to other users, as well as warning the app store from where you''re downloading the incriminated software.