If you have an Android or iPhone, you should take inventory of your apps to ensure you don’t have any of the over 400 malicious apps linked to a massive data hack. Facebook issued the alert after discovering that some apps have been stealing private logins from smartphone users like yourself.
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Delete them now
The problem apps were found to be listed on Google Play Store and Apple App Store; the official platform where these operating systems host applications. That hackers were able to get past the tight security of these platforms means you’re likely to have downloaded a seemly genuine app that could compromise your online safety.
The malicious bugs are hidden in popular apps such as photo editors, VPNs and mobile games, according to Euro News. So you might think you’re installing one of these apps, but the bugs embedded in them could infiltrate your device, stealing login details, spying on you or even gaining remote access to your device. Facebook explained:
When a person installs the malicious app, it may ask them to “Login With Facebook” before they are able to use its promised features. if they enter their credentials, the malware steals their username and password.
Take inventory
Google and Apple have since removed the identified apps from their platforms. But because the bugs were hidden in apps that usually have many downloads, the likelihood of you having one or more on your phone is high. You can find the full list of the affected apps here. According to Facebook:
We identified more than 400 malicious Android and iOS apps this year that target people across the internet to steal their Facebook login information. We reported our findings to Apple and Google and are helping potentially impacted people to learn more about how to stay safe and secure their accounts.
If you see any that you may have downloaded, delete them immediately. You should also change your Facebook password as well as activating two-factor authentication if you haven’t already done so.
Sources used:
Euro News: Meta uncovers 400 malicious apps designed to steal your Facebook login
Irish Mirror: 'Delete these apps now' warning to iPhone and Android phone users amid potential data hack
Tom’s Guide: These 400 malicious Android and iOS apps can hack your Facebook — delete them now
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⋙ Android users: Delete these 35 apps now to protect your financial information
⋙ Delete now!: Millions of Android devices infected with bug that drains your account
