Beware of fake mobile apps that claim to check your blood oxygen level
Avneet Kaur
Jalandhar, September 22
If you happen receive a forwarded WhatsApp message asking you to download an app from the Google Playstore that can check your blood oxygen level using your mobile’s rear camera, then beware!
It’s most likely a phishing attack to hijack your biometric as well other confidential data from your cellphone.
- Fake Oximeter Application
- Download Link via Whatsapp
- Fake Attractive Offer
- Steal Data from Phone
- Fake Covid19 News
- Viral Message on Social Media
As per information, a viral message, which reads “Every one please install an app and measure oxygen level daily in this corona time and if oxygen level falls below 90 please consult a doctor immediately. App for oximeter, blood pressure and heart rate, give permission of camera to measure on app” has been making rounds on social media and people are falling prey to it, which they unknowingly consider as a cheaper option for the oximeter.
However, the truth is that the claims made by these applications are unrealistic in nature and completely void. Throwing light upon the issue, Cyber Security Researcher, Palvinder Singh, CEO and founder of Secuneus Technologies, here, said fraudsters from announcing unbelievable discounts on online purchases to winning a jackpot worth crores to deferring of EMIs, keep finding new ways as per the trend to dupe people.
“As doctors these days, due to the rise in the number of Covid cases, have been advising people to check their oxygen saturation level on a daily basis to stay safe, therefore, this latest oximeter app thing is nothing but an attempt by cybercriminals to take advantage of innocent people and steal their confidential data,” he said. He said this scam was first reported in Mangaluru in Karnataka and then there were reports that in Kolkata several WhatsApp users ended up compromising with their data security by sharing sensitive biometric data such as fingerprints after installing the app.
“There has been no victim of this cybercrime in Punjab, so far, but yes, some people in the city claimed to have received this forwarded message,” he said. On possible risks it possesses Palvinder said biometric data such as fingerprints that are used for e-wallet transactions and as an alternative to passwords and screen lock could be misused. Besides, there is also a threat of personal photos and data being stolen, as it asks for storage and gallery permissions during installation, he said, adding that such apps can also read the SMS inbox that has the bank account transaction alerts.
Source Link : The Tribune
