A fraudulent version of the popular mobile application “Redalert” is spreading among Android users in Israel, posing a serious threat to their privacy and security. This counterfeit app, hidden under the guise of the official version, secretly monitors and collects data from the device’s owner.
With over a million downloads on Google Play, the authentic “Redalert” app plays a crucial role in providing Israeli citizens with real-time notifications of missile attacks. However, cybercriminals behind this nefarious scheme have exploited its significance and exploited the country’s vulnerable state.
Cloudflare, a leading internet security company, has reported that the hackers’ motives and origins remain unknown. Their target is likely Israeli users who are least likely to suspect any third-party risks amid the ongoing critical situation.
The deceptive application, which mimics the legitimate one, is being distributed through a website named “Redalerts [.] Me”. This fraudulent site was created on October 12, 2023, explicitly designed to deceive unsuspecting users.
While iOS users are redirected to the official Apple App Store, where they can find the verified app, Android users are led astray. Clicking on the Android button on the website initiates the direct download of the malicious apk file.