Tempted to try brand-new features ahead of everyone else? DON’T BE!
Have you ever felt tempted to try brand-new features ahead of everyone else? Don’t be! The beta version is not all that it seems.
There is information from the FBI that may cause you to reconsider.
Cybercriminals have come up with a brand-new scheme to get us into their hands. They are hiding dangerous and malicious code in fake beta versions of well-known apps. All to convert unsuspecting users into personal piggy banks.
Don’t get us wrong; we appreciate innovation just as much as the next group of techs. Although beta versions have a certain charm, they haven’t undergone the rigorous security checks that apps in the official app store must pass.
Bad actors send fake emails posing as the creators of well-known apps, offering early access to new beta versions.
But of course, they are fake too. Once you install them, they can access information from your finance apps and potentially take control of your mobile device, among other bad things.
Could your business be affected if your employees download these beta apps onto workplace devices?
The short answer is, yes.
There is a lesson to learn, and it’s a straightforward one: Patience is a virtue.
Hold off on downloading beta versions of apps. Wait for their formal release in the app store once all the kinks are worked out. Good things come to those who wait, and that includes secure apps.
If you’ve already downloaded beta versions, be on the lookout for red flags. This includes quick battery consumption, poor performance, unwanted pop-up ads, and applications requesting extra permissions.
In this digital age, people need to be as smart and savvy as our technology. So, before you click “download,” stop to consider whether the risk is worth the early access.
Teach your staff to think similarly. In order to limit what they can do with their company devices, think about using a mobile device management system.
We can help keep all your devices protected from malicious actors. Get in touch today!
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