GUWAHATI: In the COVID-19 pandemic many fake messages on malicious apps, malware and phishing campaigns are circulating on social media.
The latest of all is a message on a fake app that claims to detect the blood oxygen level, which is being circulated on social media. A pulse oximeter device, used to measure the blood saturation level, is available in the market at Rs 1,400.
However, fraudulent claims have come up that instead of using the oximeter, one can measure the level by placing the fingers or fingerprint on the mobile light using the app.
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A few fake mobile applications are also available.
“While there are safe oximeter apps too, we are noticing a rise in the development of fake apps exclusively to steal data. Biometric data such as fingerprints could be misused.
There is also the threat of personal photos and data being stolen as it asks for storage and gallery permissions during installation.
Such apps can also read the SMS inbox that has bank account transaction alerts,” Ananth Prabhu G, cyber lawyer and security trainer said, speaking to TOI.
Notably, oximeters usually use non-invasive methods to monitor a person's oxygen saturation.
As COVID-19 is known to impact a person’s lungs, many have started buying such devices recently.
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