Smartphone users warned to delete these 20 apps immediately
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In our technologically advancing world, we're all guilty of trusting the internet too much without considering what we might be giving up in return.
This is where mobile applications come into play. Our smartphones are brimming with them, with nearly two million on Apple's App Store and almost three million on Google's Play Store - all readily available and easily accessible.
It's often claimed that the average person has around 100 apps downloaded. Of course, there are your usual social media platforms like X/Twitter, Facebook and Reddit, then you have news apps like Dublin Live's very own app available on all devices, plus dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, games like Clash of Clans, and many more, reports the Mirror US.
We're constantly urged by all the major mobile and security companies to only download applications from the official stores, but it seems even that isn't guaranteed to keep you 100 per cent safe.
Researchers at Cyble have uncovered a range of apps that have tricked their way onto the Play Store by mimicking the names or icons of legitimate digital wallets.
Once these apps are installed onto your mobile device, they open a phishing website or an in-app WebView where they request mnemonic phrases that can be used to completely empty your wallet.
Cyble found more than 20 different apps targeting crypto wallet users by impersonating well-known wallets like SushiSwap, PancakeSwap, Hyperliquid and Raydium.
A total of nine wallets are being impersonated, but there is concern that this list could expand, affecting even more people.
The Mirror US has compiled a list of the following apps that should be immediately removed if found on your smartphone. It's also crucial to ensure Google's Play Protect is enabled on your device.
Cyble cautions: "[These apps] employ phishing techniques to steal users' mnemonic phrases, which are then used to access real wallets and drain cryptocurrency funds.
"They have been progressively discovered over recent weeks, reflecting an ongoing and active campaign."
All apps that are being discovered have been reported directly to Google, who are in the process of removing them from their PlayStore.
The Mirror US has contacted Google for an official statement on this matter and is awaiting a response.
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