NEW YORK (Web Desk) - Google has issued a warning about fake VPN apps disguised as security tools, highlighting the serious risks they pose.
According to Google’s recent advisory, cybercriminals are creating apps that appear to be legitimate VPN services or security tools but can actually act as remote access trojans or banking trojans.
These apps may request excessive permissions or, while performing normal VPN functions, secretly access sensitive user information such as browsing history, personal messages, and crypto wallet details.
Google emphasized that this threat is not limited to unauthorized app stores; fake VPNs can also appear on official stores.
To address this, Google has introduced a special “VPN Verified” badge as a mark of trust and advised users to download VPN apps only from official and reputable stores.