Mobile apps are exceptional platforms for businesses, especially during the global pandemic when many users spend their time online more than ever. App downloads jumped to billions, and users’ screen time significantly increased.

 

As apps continue to be an integral part of everyone’s lives, criminals are using them to engage with unassuming mobile users. These attackers are aware that mobile users are less suspicious of content on their devices, and they are taking advantage of this fact. To learn more about fake apps and how you can protect your business against them, use this article as your guide.

 

How Can Fake Apps Affect My Business?

Attackers can impersonate your brand using fake apps. They can clone your legitimate app by using your logos, trademarks, and images. It can attract your local customers and prospects, convincing them to use the fake app for storing sensitive customer information and make purchases. These mobile apps can also be utilised maliciously and can even contain malware.

Generally, attackers can take advantage of your well-known brand by hijacking browser sessions, getting users’ login credentials, and taking control of users’ mobile devices. As more prospects and customers use unauthorised apps, this brand abuse can ruin your reputation, cause significant financial losses, and even lead you to shut down your business.

 

What Are the Forms of Fake Apps?

Fake apps come in various forms. One of them is closed apps, which are identical copies of legitimate apps installed from app stores. They can result in a security breach because they lack the security patches that eliminate vulnerabilities on devices.

Unauthorised apps can also be in the form of games or tools. They can pose as trusted financial institutions to steal user’s confidential information. Other apps can also deliver trojans to take control of devices or steal sensitive data.

 

How Can I Protect My Business from Fake Apps?

Due to the rise of mobile apps, criminals create fake apps and mobile malware to target mobile users. On the other hand, you can announce your target audience and share the importance of their mobile security, particularly when installing mobile apps. For instance, you can create informative articles, videos, or infographics stating how they can protect themselves from installing fake apps.

Let your audience know to be careful of unsolicited texts or emails, especially when they come from banks, retailers, or other known institutions. This is especially true if these messages have a link attached. In addition, you can advise them to download only from official sources, like the Google Play Store. By providing them with this vital information, you can show that you care about their security and maintain your favorable reputation.

 

Your mobile app may help you achieve your business goals and make a mark in your industry, but when your brand gets targeted by criminals, you are at risk of having your public image ruined. The good news is that you can prevent this from happening by remembering the information about fake apps mentioned in this guide and engaging with a company like FraudWatch International.

If you would like any further information please contact one of our sales team for a no obligation discussion.