Early access sometimes has a lot more disadvantages than advantages...
The FBI warns of a new type of fraud, in which cybercriminals offer users to install malicious applications on their smartphones under the guise of beta testing.
These apps disguise themselves as legitimate programs with official designs and names, but in reality they steal user data, gain access to financial accounts,and sometimes completely block phones.
To convince users to install apps that bypass official stores, scammers use phishing, romantic schemes, and other tricks to build trust. They can even teach victims how to hack their smartphone's security, but without making it look suspicious.
Attentive users may notice a rapid battery drain, slow operation of the device as a whole, incomprehensible pop-up notifications, as well as the sudden appearance of unknown applications in the system that contain an excessive number of permissions.
The FBI notes that scammers often use such schemes to steal cryptocurrencies. They persuade victims to enter their online wallet details into the app, ostensibly for investment, but in fact transfer funds to their accounts. According to experts, hundreds of thousands of users suffer from such scams every year, and the damage is estimated at billions of dollars.
The FBI recommends that you do not install software from unofficial sources, even if it looks like it is real. But even when downloading from official stores, you should carefully check the developer page and reviews about the app itself.
Agents also advise you to regularly check your phone for suspicious apps using antivirus software and carefully monitor your battery consumption.
The FBI warns of a new type of fraud, in which cybercriminals offer users to install malicious applications on their smartphones under the guise of beta testing.
These apps disguise themselves as legitimate programs with official designs and names, but in reality they steal user data, gain access to financial accounts,and sometimes completely block phones.
To convince users to install apps that bypass official stores, scammers use phishing, romantic schemes, and other tricks to build trust. They can even teach victims how to hack their smartphone's security, but without making it look suspicious.
Attentive users may notice a rapid battery drain, slow operation of the device as a whole, incomprehensible pop-up notifications, as well as the sudden appearance of unknown applications in the system that contain an excessive number of permissions.
The FBI notes that scammers often use such schemes to steal cryptocurrencies. They persuade victims to enter their online wallet details into the app, ostensibly for investment, but in fact transfer funds to their accounts. According to experts, hundreds of thousands of users suffer from such scams every year, and the damage is estimated at billions of dollars.
The FBI recommends that you do not install software from unofficial sources, even if it looks like it is real. But even when downloading from official stores, you should carefully check the developer page and reviews about the app itself.
Agents also advise you to regularly check your phone for suspicious apps using antivirus software and carefully monitor your battery consumption.
