Android is asking users to think twice before downloading suspicious apps — especially since learning about a scary “clone” app that is masquerading as a real, popular app, but can lead to you getting your data compromised.
Telegram is a very popular messaging app that has been touted as an even more secure app than similar offerings like WhatsApp. So when Android users and fans of Telegram noticed a so-called “Premium” version of the app available for download, many pounced on it – and were nearly instantly regretful of that decision. Here’s why Android wants you to avoid downloading this dangerous clone app.
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Telegram Premium
Let simply, there is no such app as Telegram Premium - Telegram has never created or issued a premium version of its messaging app. But Cybersecurity researchers at CyFirma discovered the app being distributed on phishing websites set up to look exactly like RuStore, which is Russia’s version of the Google Play Store.
Victims who downloaded this fake clone app were asked to provide their Telegram login, which then gave the thieves at the helm of this app access to all of their actual Telegram messages.
The Telegram Premium clone app also asked victims to grant it permission to monitor notifications on your device, as well as SMS and phone calls. Not only are the hackers able to gain access to your messages and conversations this way, but they can also monitor for any financial transactions that you make on your Android phone and intercept that data.
The best way to avoid accidentally downloading a clone app that can contain malware is to only download apps that are available on the Google Play Store, check to make sure it has been around for a bit (a recent release paired with many downloads can be a red flag), and read reviews to make sure the apps is legit. If anything looks suspicious, avoid that app — it’s not worth the risk.
