Have you ever been tempted to download the beta version of your favorite app so you can try out all the cool new features before everyone else?
STOP!
The FBI has some information that may cause you to reconsider.
Cybercriminals have devised a completely new trick to get us into their lair. They hide dangerous malware in fake beta versions of popular apps, converting unsuspecting people’s phones into personal piggy banks.
Don’t get us wrong: we adore innovation just as much as the next group of tech fanatics. While beta versions are appealing, they haven’t been subjected to the rigorous security assessments that programs in legitimate app stores must pass.
Criminals send fake emails pretending to be reputable software developers, promising early access to new beta versions.
But, of course, they’re also fake. Once installed, they have the ability to access data from your banking applications and potentially take over your mobile device.
Could your company be put at risk if your employees download them onto corporate devices?
There’s a moral to our story. And it’s a straightforward one: Patience is a virtue.
Downloading beta versions of programs should be avoided. Wait till they’re stable and available in app stores. Good things come to those who wait, and safe apps are no exception.
If you have previously downloaded beta versions, look for red signals such as increased battery consumption, poor performance, continuous pop-up advertising, and applications requesting extra permissions.
In this digital world, we must be just as smart and savvy as the technologies we employ. So, before you click the download button, consider whether this program is worth the risk.
Train your employees to think similarly. If you do provide them work phones, think about using a Mobile Device Management system to limit what they can do with them.
We can assist you in better protecting all of your gadgets. Get in touch.