Bogus 'contact tracing' apps deployed to steal data: researchers

Security researchers say hackers have been spreading malware using bogus "contact tracing" apps masqerading as officia
Security researchers say hackers have been spreading malware using bogus "contact tracing" apps masqerading as official software to track the coronavirus

At least a dozen bogus "contact tracing" apps designed to look like official software to track coronavirus infections have been deployed globally to spread malware and steal user data, security researchers said Wednesday.

The researchers from California-based firm Anomali said the apps, once installed on a device, "are designed to download and install malware" on devices and "steal banking credentials and ."

Anomali said the fake COVID-19 apps do not appear to be distributed through official channels like the Google Play Store but rather are being spread through other apps, third-party stores, and websites that encourage downloads.

"Threat actors continue to imitate official apps to take advantage of the brand recognition and perceived trust of those released by ," the company said in a blog post.

"The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic makes the virus a recognizable and potentially fear-inducing name, of which actors will continue to abuse."

The revelation is the latest warning about hackers using the virus pandemic to take advantage of public fear to trick users into revealing passwords or other data.

Contact-tracing apps are being developed in many countries, using smartphone technology to determine when users have come into contact with an infected individual.

A variety of technologies are being used for the apps, including some systems that have been criticized by privacy activists for collecting data which may be abused by governments.

Some surveys suggest the public is skeptical about using the apps.

Anomali found bogus apps deployed in Armenia, Brazil, India, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kyrgystan, Russia and Singapore, in some cases impersonating official government tracing applications.

A similar warning last month from a British-based association said fraudsters had tried to get users to download a bogus UK app.

© 2020 AFP

Citation: Bogus 'contact tracing' apps deployed to steal data: researchers (2020, June 10) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://techxplore.com/news/2020-06-bogus-contact-apps-deployed.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Scientists call for a contact tracing app regulator

15 shares

Feedback to editors