A new report finds that cybercriminals areduplicating real smartphone applicationsand inserting malware.
It’s part of a growing industry of real apps that contain malicious code.
In one example, the researcher reported finding hundreds of modified versions of the original Netflix app online.
Olemedia / Getty Images
The counterfeit apps had all been injected with malware, spyware, or adware.
You should never download applications provided by people or organizations you don’t know, Downs said.
“Does the app icon look right?
Vasily Pindyurin / Getty Images
It should match official company branding.
Does the developer information look right?”
Take some time to look at the app’s official company website, Covington said.
Be wary if the user reviews look fake or are they negative.
“These are all good signs the app is not the real one.”
