Cybersecurity authorities warn against malicious surveillance apps

Authorities have issued a warning regarding malicious applications advertised on social media as tools for monitoring relatives or children. These apps, often of unknown origin, may contain malware designed to secretly collect sensitive data, including contacts, messages, images, and location information.

Once installed, these applications can gain unauthorized access to microphones and cameras to record audio and video. Such data can be exploited by bad actors to hijack bank accounts and social media profiles, or to facilitate fraud, extortion, and identity theft.

Officials advise users to avoid installing software from unverified sources and to refrain from using illegal eavesdropping or tracking services. To protect personal information, users should download applications only from official stores, regularly review app permissions for camera, microphone, and location access, and use strong passwords.