Pakistani authorities have uncovered a significant data theft operation involving Android apps specifically designed to target government officials. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued an urgent advisory regarding suspicious applications available on the Google Play Store.
The advisory highlights that these apps are engineered to steal personal and financial data by exploiting users’ consent, with many individuals unknowingly granting access to sensitive information.
The apps have been linked to the theft of data from Pakistani officials, as users often unintentionally allow them to access critical information. CERT has strongly advised users to only install apps from trusted sources and to use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to safeguard against potential threats.
In addition, users are urged to disable location services when not in use and to avoid using smartphones in sensitive settings to minimize the risk of data breaches.
The CERT has emphasized that these malicious apps pose a serious threat to data security and has called on all users, especially government officials, to take immediate action to protect their personal and professional information.
