News
Malicious apps are trying to steal your Facebook credentials
It’s becoming harder and harder to distinguish legitimate apps from malicious ones these days. Learn what to look for, what to avoid and what to do if your device gets infected.
Advertisement
by Aline Barbosa
Learn how to spot fake apps and what to do if they infect your device.
A new wave of malicious apps are stealing people’s Facebook credentials. These apps offer photo editing tools, horoscope, fitness tips and much more.
According to Meta, Facebook’s parent company, over one million Facebook users have had their log-ins stolen. These credentials were stolen by over 400 malicious mobile apps downloaded just in 2022 for both Android and iOS.
These apps are generally in the App Store and Google Play. They disguise themselves as VPN services, games, photo editors, horoscopes and many other resources.
David Agranovich, director of threat disruption at Meta, says that his team has reported these malicious apps to Apple and Google. According to him, measures have been put into place and all malicious apps were taken down shortly afterwards.
The team is alerting people who may have unknowingly compromised their Facebook accounts by downloading these malicious apps and sharing their credentials. They are also helping these people secure their accounts.
Nowadays, keeping malicious apps off your mobile phone is not an easy task. Despite the constant efforts from Google and Apple to keep these apps out of their online stores, they always manage their way back in. And recently, they are becoming harder to detect. Of the 400 malicious apps discovered by Meta, a large percentage were Android apps.
How to avoid downloading malicious apps?
The best way to avoid putting your credentials at risk is to be careful when downloading new apps that ask for access to them. Some people would rather offer their log in details than register a new account, and that is where they thrive.
These malicious apps generally publish a lot of false positive reviews to trick more people into downloading them. So it’s important to browse through these reviews to see if the developer is not trying to drown anything out.
Once you install the app, it suggests a faster login via Facebook, which makes it possible for the maliciou app to steal your login credentials. If your information is stolen, the people behind these apps could gain access to your account and your friends list and gather private information.
But with some many apps that require new users to log in with their Facebook credentials, how can you be sure which ones are legit? By checking the reputation of the app before downloading it. See if it offers the resources it claims to, or if the app is only available if you provide your Facebook information.
If your device has been infected with a malicious app, Meta advises you to delete the app immediately. Once you do so, reset your Facebook password and enable two-factor authentication. Turning on log-in alerts also helps because you’ll be notified if someone else tries to access your Facebook account.
You will be redirected to another website
Cybersecurity checks: learn how to protect yourself
In this day and age, cyber attacks are more common than ever. That’s why it’s important you learn how to keep your personal information safe. Follow the link below to learn more about the matter and how you can protect yourself and your devices.
Aline Barbosa
Trending Topics
Can’t pay your credit card bill? Here’s what you can do about it
If you’re having financial problems and can’t pay your credit card bill this month, check out the options you have to hold you temporarily.
Keep ReadingGreat small business ideas: become a business owner
So you're thinking of starting a business? Here are some great small business ideas that do not demand high investment to get you started.
Keep ReadingProtester invades the pitch at the 2022 World Cup
A protester took his causes to the pitch on Monday night’s match between Portugal and Uruguay at the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Keep ReadingYou may also like
How to effectively de-stress and live better
Stress can have a negative impact on your wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you effectively de-stress and regain your equilibrium.
Keep Reading2 new binge-worthy podcasts of 2022
Here’s a quick guide on 2 superbly addictive and entertaining podcasts you should be listening to right now. Keep reading to learn more!
Keep ReadingThe top 8 technology trends in 2023
Are you curious about the top technology trends for 2023? This article outlines the most important advancements to watch out for!
Keep Reading