The UAE Cyber Security Council has warned the public about the growing risks of fake mobile applications, saying they can be used by cybercriminals to steal personal data, commit fraud, or carry out cyber extortion.
The warning was issued as part of the council’s Cyber Pulse awareness campaign, which aims to educate the public about online security threats and how to avoid them.
According to the council, fake applications have become one of the most dangerous cybercrime tools targeting both individuals and institutions. These apps can allow fraudsters to access personal information, financial data, photos, and other sensitive details that may later be used for scams or blackmail.
Authorities noted that many fake apps are designed to look almost identical to legitimate ones. Cybercriminals often copy the names, logos, and user interfaces of popular apps to trick users into downloading them.
Officials said that more than 85 percent of fake applications imitate well-known apps, making them difficult to identify even for experienced users.
Fraudsters are also increasingly combining fake apps with deepfake technologies, using manipulated videos or audio recordings to make scams appear more convincing.
The council revealed that around 73 percent of institutions in 2025 experienced some form of cyber fraud, including incidents involving fake applications or other malicious digital tools.
In one year alone, more than 200 fake apps were identified, with over 40 million downloads recorded before they were removed from the Google Play Store.
Authorities advised users to take several precautions before downloading applications. These include checking the developer’s name, reviewing user ratings and comments, and examining the permissions requested by the app.
They also warned that suspicious apps may request unnecessary access to photos, contacts, cameras, or location data.
The council further cautioned that some fake apps may lead to cyber extortion, where criminals threaten to release private information unless victims pay money.
Officials stressed that victims should never pay extortion demands, as doing so does not guarantee safety and may encourage further threats.
The Cyber Security Council urged residents to remain cautious when downloading apps and to rely only on trusted platforms and verified developers to protect their personal data and digital security.
