—Analysis finds over half of unofficial Fortnite apps have a malware or security issue
— 40% were adware scams
— 20% could spy on users
— Main concern is excessive permissions with access to camera, contacts and microphone
A survey by Top10vpn has found that a large proportion of unofficial Fortnite apps contain malware, adware or require permissions that give the apps access to users camera, microphone and location.
Analysis of these apps determined that 40% of these apps were either “thinly veiled adware or scams”, but even more worryingly that 20% of the apps could be used to spy on users.
The problem is the permissions users are asked to give to these apps when they install them. Many apps will need access to certain parts of the device, such as access to camera and photos if the app’s function related to editing photos, for example. The problem with 20% of the apps reviewed is that seem to be asking for excessive permissions for which there is no reasonable use.
These include, very worryingly: camera access, the ability to start phone calls, user location, contact details, as well as the ability to install new android packages. Taking these permissions together essentially gives the app complete and total access to your life personal information.
It is worth noting that we don’t know how many time these most dangerous apps have been downloaded, or whether the excessive permissions have been used to their maximum negative potential. But these risks are a very clear and timely reminder to be exceptionally careful with anything downloaded to any device and that if unsure, only download from official sites. Stay safe!
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