The Department of Information Security (Ministry of Information and Communications) has warned users about the scam of downloading fake Google Authenticator security applications to steal data.

Among the five online scams that people are advised to be vigilant about, the Information Security Department (Ministry of Information and Communications) especially notes the scam trick of luring users to download fake Google Authenticator security applications to steal data.

Looking back at the situation of online fraud in Vietnam and international cyberspace during the week from August 5 to August 11, the Department of Information Security assessed: Impersonation fraud is increasing rapidly. This assessment is also clearly shown through the fraud tricks and methods that the Department of Information Security has compiled and recommended to users this week:

Google Authenticator is a well-known and trusted multi-layer security application. Therefore, criminals have taken advantage of users' subjectivity and committed fraud using fake Google Authenticator applications.

Specifically, recently, cyberspace has seen many advertisements calling for and encouraging users to download the Google Authenticator application to increase security for personal devices; however, in fact, these are fake applications, created by subjects to deceive users.

When users click on the above ads, users are redirected to a fake Google website with the link “chromeweb-authenticators.com”. Accessing this fake website, the application will be automatically downloaded from the open source code hosting service Github and attack the user’s device, spreading malware and stealing important data.

To avoid falling victim to the above scam, the Information Security Department recommends that people be vigilant when downloading security applications to their devices; Do not download applications from unknown sources or unofficial websites, only download applications from the CH Play system for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. In cases where applications can only be downloaded from outside, users are advised to check the domain names of the websites on the two sites tinnhiemmang.vn and tracuutenmien.gov.vn.

In addition, the Information Security Department also warned people to be careful when booking cheap airline tickets and tours online; tricks of impersonating hotel and homestay staff to defraud deposit money; impersonating educational institutions to trick students into transferring money to register for dormitory accommodation; and appropriating property by impersonating immigration management agencies.