A simple app can lead to identity theft....
Posted by Jamila Hunte on Mon, Jan 18, 2010
We live in an age where there is a need to have information right at our finger tips. Not only do we need to have information that is easily accessible we also need to be mobile.
With the introduction of mobile devices like the iPhone, users are able to have the best of both worlds. Apps are all the rage. You can make your shopping list, check the weather, see your new friend request on Facebook, play your favourite video game and read your favourite book and these are just the tip of the iceberg.
Recently, a new app had found its way to Google’s Android market, an apps store maintained for its mobile services. This new application appeared to offer a feature that would allow the user to gain access to
their bank’s website through this shortcut. It is now believed that this app and 50 similar apps were harnessing malicious activity – activity that could lead to phishing attempts. A recent article in computerworld.com
provides more information on this app created by a developer only known as “09Droid”.
This android app was brought to my attention and was a concern for one of my clients. We were concerned that this app could have been downloaded by their customers who were innocently looking for an easy way to access their bank account.
Luckily we were able to make contact with one of the sites that were advertising the app and since then it has been removed. There was still a concern, however, that there could be other sites that provide this app. According to a recent article in willhall.ca
droid apps have been removed by Google.
We have been put at ease, at least for now…
There could be another android app lurking around out there, but the word is getting out and banks and credit unions are beginning to make their customers aware that what may appear to be a handy shortcut, could get them in a world of trouble. So buyer BEWARE!!!