Cyber security expert Mohamed Fathy warned of a fake application promising citizens free access to encrypted channels.
During a phone interview with Extra News channel on Saturday evening, Fathy added that some recently launched applications advertised free viewing of encrypted channels and international matches, but in reality, they contained malware.
The Egyptian Interior Ministry revealed that an international criminal gang based in Asia is operating the application in order to steal money from unsuspecting users.
After using the app, user phones are hacked and money was withdrawn from their accounts through “InstaPay.”
The ministry arrested three suspects within the country, who were converting the funds into cryptocurrency to send to the international gang.
According to Fathy many bank accounts have been hacked due to users downloading unsafe applications, despite repeated warnings.
Awareness is the best protection
This malware grants hackers extensive access to the user’s device, he warned, such as monitoring their typing or stealing their banking information when they enter their password, leading to the transfer of funds to other accounts.
Fathy emphasized that the best way for people to defend themselves is through careful awareness.
Secure applications must come from trusted and well-known sources, he said, and that users should verify the identity of an application before installing it to avoid falling victim to scams and hacking.
Phones are now directly linked to government and financial services, he warned, making any breach a significant threat to personal and financial data.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
