Expert named dangerous applications for smartphones

Mobile applications can hide serious threats to the security of users' personal data, warns Russian cybersecurity specialist Maxim Godymchuk.

According to his assessment, in 2025 the greatest danger will be posed by phishing programs that skillfully imitate official banking services. These digital twins exactly reproduce the interface of well-known banking applications, misleading users and encouraging them to disclose confidential information - from credentials to payment card details, which inevitably leads to the compromise of personal information and financial losses.

A separate category of threats consists of surveillance programs, including both spyware and parental control applications that can be used with malicious intent. Such tools provide attackers with unprecedented access to confidential information - from geolocation and call history to personal correspondence and even the ability to remotely control the device's camera. Godymchuk draws attention to the characteristic signs of covert surveillance: unexplained interference during phone conversations, abnormally rapid battery drain, and atypical mobile internet consumption.

An equally alarming trend is represented by applications with excessive requests for access to device functions. The expert provides a clear example: if a simple flashlight application requests permission to access the address book or messages, this should immediately raise suspicions. Such programs often engage in unauthorized collection and transfer of personal data to third parties - from advertising networks to cybercriminals.

To minimize risks, the specialist recommends adhering to several basic rules of digital hygiene: installing software exclusively from verified sources, carefully analyzing requested permissions, ignoring suspicious links, and updating the operating system in a timely manner. Godymchuk emphasizes that consistent adherence to these recommendations will significantly increase the level of protection of personal information and financial security of users, reports Aif.ru.