Science & Tech
Fake apps may have stolen 1 million Facebook passwords
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Meta identified over 400 malware, disguised as Android and iOS apps, that steal Facebook usernames and passwords.
- Around 1 million Facebook users may have been compromised.
- Meta advised users to be wary of such apps and to add extra security such as two-factor authentication to their account.
Meta announced that they discovered over 400 fake apps designed to steal Facebook users’ account information by requiring them to log in. According to multiple news reports, one million Facebook accounts may have been compromised.
Meta’s update on Friday stated that the apps were disguised as games, photo editors, or other features like flashlight. The apps would then ask users to log in via Facebook so they can steal their login names and passwords.
Facebook explained, “There are many legitimate apps that offer the features listed above or that may ask you to sign in with Facebook in a safe and secure way. Cybercriminals know how popular these types of apps are and use these themes to trick people and steal their accounts and information.”
Developers of such malware can even post fake positive reviews to cover up the negative ones posted by people who realized that the app was fake.
Facebook recommends looking closely at all reviews and the number of downloads when checking an app. It also advised users to “be suspicious” of apps that require users to sign in to Facebook before being allowed to use it.
Facebook assured users that they are helping secure compromised accounts. The apps were also pulled from Google and Apple stores.
Facebook provided a list of all the compromising apps. The company advised users who may have installed these apps to immediately remove them and reset their account login information.
The social media company also advised users to “to add an extra security layer to your account” by enabling the two-factor authentication and allowing log-in notifications so they can be alerted if someone tries to sign in to their account.
Individuals with compromised accounts can file a report through the Data Abuse Bounty program.
Source: People
Kevin Wilson
October 11, 2022 at 6:43 pm
My facebook account was hacked and stolen and I spent weeks trying to contact a real person through Facebook. I found that it is absolutely impossible to reach a real person through Facebook contacts. All you can get is the FAQ page. Customer service is nonexistent. Facebook should be investigated for gross negligence. The fraudsters run rampant on Facebook and there is no one to turn to for help. Facebook is totally unconcerned about fraud.
FormerMarine
October 11, 2022 at 7:59 pm
When I receive a message from f-book I block sender and just keep on keeping on with no worries and realize msn is part of the problem too.
D.D.
October 11, 2022 at 7:13 pm
This is “NUTS” !!!
Society has made it nearly impossible to live without a cell phone and it’s features and there is absolutely no way that more than half if the population can afford to pay agencies like LIFE LOCK to protect us from cybercrimes.
If people are counter illiterate or can’t use a cellphone or counter for any other reason, they’re at a huge disadvantage but paying bills and handling other business in person is the only sure way to protect themselves…
Techknowledgey IS NOT ALWAYS PROGRESS OR PROGRESSIVE ! IF OUR IWN GOVERNMENT ISNT SAFE FROM THESE THIEVES, HOW CAN ANYONE ELSE FEEL SAFE???