What Are Fake Apps? How to Identify and Avoid Them

Why Fake Apps Are a Growing Concern

When the first smartphone made its way into the market in the nineties, everyone was not only amased but also confused. They wondered whether it would thrive in the long run or not. Now, years later, everyone knows the answer. Smartphones are not only thriving, but they have become an integral part of today's society. Today, billions of people enjoy the entertainment and services smartphones provide. This is possible thanks to the apps, software, and relevant technologies. However, as the dependency on smartphones increases, the number of cybercriminals also increases. These criminals target unsuspected victims to achieve their less-than-moral goals. The most common way to do this is through fake apps.

These fake apps mimic legitimate apps in structure and function, but they have malicious code which is specifically designed to steal your precious data. These apps exploit the choice of providing access to third-party apps to gain sensitive information from you without the individual's knowledge. This has evolved over the years, so it's better to understand more about these apps and the dangers such fake apps can pose.

What is a Fake App?

Fake apps are just like normal apps in appearance, but when you download them, they cause harm. There are some ways these fake apps exploit you. Some display advertisements to earn ad revenue, some install malware on devices, and some steal your information to sell to buyers. Despite stern measures, there are uncountable fake apps across different app stores. Per the reports, counterfeit apps have doubled in the first three months of 2020 alone.

How Do Fake Apps Work?

Fake apps are malicious applications designed to mimic legitimate ones. Cybercriminals create these apps by registering as developers on app stores and uploading their malicious creations. Often, they clone trustworthy apps, embedding harmful code to deceive users. These apps appear genuine, but when downloaded, they steal sensitive data, perform unauthorised transactions, or install malware.

What Kinds of Apps Are Commonly Faked?

1. Payment and Banking Apps
• Fake payment apps are among the most common, targeting users to steal financial information or trick them into unauthorised transactions.
2. Social Media Apps
Imitating popular platforms, these apps collect login credentials and personal data.
3. E-commerce Apps
• Designed to resemble genuine shopping apps, fake versions trick users into making payments for non-existent products.
4. Utility Apps
• Fake apps like photo editors, flashlight apps, or antivirus tools often carry malware disguised as helpful features.
5. Gaming Apps
• Fake versions of trending games lure users into downloading malware or making in-app purchases.
6. Streaming and Entertainment Apps
• These mimic popular platforms to steal subscription details or insert ads that generate revenue for the attackers.

Types of Fake Apps

The variety of fake apps depends on the cybercriminal's intent. Typically, they contain malware that puts the user's data and device at risk. These fake apps fall into one of the following categories.

• Commercial Spyware: A commercial spyware app intends to steal personal information from the victim's phone and sell it without their consent or knowledge. They can also read your text messages and listen to your phone calls.
• Hostile Downloaders: These fake apps are not malicious, but they initiate downloading of some other harmful applications without your consent.
• Non-Android Threat: These apps have malicious codes that don't harm an Android device but affect other devices.
• Backdoor: As the name suggests, the hacker uses backdoor programs to obtain remote access to a device. Then, malware carries out undesirable and malicious remote-controlled actions like installing or removing programs without the user's permission.
• Billing fraud: This occurs when purchases made through applications are unintentionally and automatically charged to the victim's phone bill. Examples include sending an SMS with a premium plan, buying items from an app store, or calling a collection agency.
• Phishing: Phishing apps target credit card numbers, bank information, login credentials and online account information. They disguise themselves as trusted apps and ask for users' authentication credentials or billing information. The data is then sent to third parties.
• Denial of Service (DoS): DoS apps send a high volume of requests to a remote server, which overloads the system and shuts down the device.
• Spam: These apps contain code to send unsolicited messages to the user's contact or involve the device in an email spam campaign.
• Trojan: Trojan apps may seem harmless, but they contain a component. Hackers use this component to send premium SMS from the user's device without their knowledge.
• Privilege Escalation: These apps bypass the number of privileges allowed in a user's device to access elevated privileges or to turn off core security functions.
• Rooting: Rooting apps are designed to jailbreak the user's device. However, it is important to notice that not all rooting apps are harmful. Many legitimate apps perform rooting, but unlike them, they don't require user consent to perform any action they are not meant to.
• Spyware: These apps send personal data to third parties without the user's consent. This includes text messages, call logs, contact lists, email records, photos, browser history, or data from other apps.
• Ransomware: Ransomware apps encrypt the user's data and take complete control of the device. The hacker then asks the user to pay to have their data decrypted.

How to Spot Fake Apps

There are some ways through which users can identify fake apps. Let's take a look at them.

• Check the Developer: Before you download any app, it's best to research the developer. Even a quick Google search is helpful. Further, always read the app's name carefully. If the name is misspelled, the chances of it being a fake app are high.
• Check the Release Date: Always check the release date of an app; if it was recently published and has a high number of downloads, the possibility of it being fake is high.
• Read the Reviews: An app's review can tell you about the app's legitimacy. If it has many negative reviews, it can be a fake one. Always tread carefully, even if the reviews are positive.
• Pay Attention to Permissions: Always read the permissions agreement before downloading any app. Fake apps generally ask for extra permissions that are not needed.

Today, there are countless apps available to download. So, it is important to identify the fake app to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. Update your apps regularly and stay informed of the latest cybersecurity trends and practices.

Tips to Avoid Fake Apps

• Download Apps Only from Official App Stores: Stick to trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store to minimise the risk of installing fake apps.
• Keep Your Device and Apps Updated: Regular updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use Trusted Antivirus Software: Protect your device from malware embedded in fake apps.
• Review App Permissions Carefully: Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions, such as access to contacts or SMS.
• Avoid Suspicious Ads or Download Links: Do not click on pop-ups or third-party links advertising apps.
• Check for App Certifications and Badges: Look for verified developer credentials and user reviews to confirm authenticity.

By following these tips, you can avoid falling prey to a fake payment app or other malicious applications.

What to Do If You Have Downloaded a Fake App

If you suspect you’ve installed a fake app, follow these steps immediately:

1. Uninstall the App:
   Remove the app from your device to stop further malicious activity.
2. Run a Malware Scan:
   Use trusted antivirus software to scan your device for malware or suspicious files.
3. Change Sensitive Passwords:
   To prevent unauthorised access, update passwords for accounts accessed from your device, especially banking or email accounts.
4. Check Your Device Settings: Review app permissions to ensure no other malicious apps have gained unauthorised access.

If the app was from a fake apps list or caused suspicious behavior, contact your bank or relevant service providers for additional safety measures.

Conclusion

Fake apps, like a fake message sending app or fake payment app, are malicious tools cybercriminals use to steal data and funds. You can protect yourself from scams by downloading apps from trusted sources, reviewing permissions, and staying alert. If you’ve already downloaded a fake app, act swiftly to remove it, secure your accounts, and prevent further damage. Always prioritise safety to ensure a secure digital experience.