Meta Platforms had identified more than 400 malicious apps on Android and iOS that targeted online users for stealing their Facebook login information.
These apps were disguised as photo editors, games, VPN services, business apps, and other utilities on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. 42.6% of the rogue apps were photo editors, followed by business utilities (15.4%), phone utilities (14.1%), games (11.7%), VPNs (11.7%), and lifestyle apps (4.4%).
A majority of the iOS apps posed as ads manager tools for Meta and its Facebook subsidiary. The operators also published fake reviews that were designed to offset the negative reviews left by users who may have previously downloaded the apps.
The company said, “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. If the login information is stolen, attackers could potentially gain full access to a person's account and do things like message their friends or access private information.”
However, all the apps in question have been taken down from both app stores. Users are suggested to exercise caution before downloading apps and granting access to Facebook. This includes scrutinizing app permissions and reviews, and also verifying the authenticity of the app developers.
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