Internet our way of living: from what we were doing twenty years ago, how to sail on websites; So far that we consume, buy, we have our bank account, we communicate or make leisure through a screen.
Therefore, In an increasingly digitized world, online security has become a primary concern for Internet users. The ease with which bank transactions are made and personal data is stored in electronic devices has turned them into attractive targets for cybercriminals.
While the technological advance has brought multiple benefits in terms of communication and access to information, It has also led to the development of new criminal tactics. Computer attacks have evolved over time, adopting increasingly sophisticated strategies to deceive users and obtain their confidential data.
One of the most used methods is the spread of fraudulent applications that collect information without user knowledge. Through these programs, Criminals can access bank credentials, navigation records and other sensitive datawhich can lead to economic losses and impersonation of identity.
These are the applications under suspicion
VPNs can be a very useful tool to access content that, otherwise, you could not do. Nevertheless, It is very important to have full knowledge about the VPN that we are using. Recently, Kaspersky security firm specialists have identified Six applications that, although they appear to be virtual private network services (VPN), they actually have the purpose of Steal personal and financial information. These are:
- Maskvpn
- DEWVPN
- Paladinvpn
- Proxygate
- Shieldvpn
- Shinevpn
These applications, far from providing navigation protection, have been used as tools to capture passwords, access bank accounts and extract other confidential data, compromising the safety of the devices in which they are installed.
What can be the danger of using false VPN?
Legitimate VPNs are a useful tool to protect online privacy by encrypting the Internet connection. However, the fraudulent programs indicated by the experts operate in an opposite way: instead of providing security, they intercept the information sent and received by the user.
When settling on the device, These applications act as intermediaries between the user and the network, allowing cybercriminals to collect data such as bank credentials, navigation records and other key elements without the victim noticing it. This facilitates unauthorized access to personal accounts, allowing the realization of financial fraud and identity robberies.
Those who have downloaded these applications could be exposed to multiple risks, including:
- Identity Supplant: The attackers can impeach the victim to access their accounts or make fraudulent transactions.
- Improper access to bank accounts: The information obtained can be used to withdraw money or make purchases without authorization.
- Sale of data on the dark website: Personal and financial data can be marketed in illegal markets.
- Malware infection: Some of these applications can install other harmful programs on the devices, increasing user vulnerability.
In many cases, victims do not notice the intrusion until they detect suspicious movements in their accounts or receive unauthorized access alerts.
How to protect from these threats
Given the danger of these applications, security experts recommend following a series of preventive measures to protect personal and financial information:
- Immediately remove any suspicious application identified in the list provided.
- Verify the legitimacy of applications before downloading them, reviewing comments from other users, the developer and the permits they request.
- Keep updated operating systems and applications, since updates include safety patches against vulnerabilities.
- Use safe passwords and activate two steps authentication in all sensitive accounts, especially banking.
- Avoid downloading applications from unofficial sites or suspicious links, since they can contain malicious software.
- Install reliable safety software, such as antivirus and threat detection tools.
Digital security is a shared responsibility between users and technology developers. Being informed and taking preventive measures is key to avoid being a victim of online fraud and protecting personal data from possible threats. In an increasingly risky digital environment, caution is the best defense.