Beauty camera applications are widely popular among consumers. Not only are these apps fun to use, they also provide interesting and helpful features in editing and adding filters to selfies.
Unfortunately, a recent report from Cyber News shows that not all beauty apps are safe. In fact, there are at least 30 “dangerous” Android apps readily available. What’s even more alarming is that these applications have been downloaded for more than 1.4 billion times. This only means that thousands or even millions of people might be at risk.
How do these ‘dangerous’ apps work?
They explained that these beauty camera apps not only provide additional filters or edit your photos. While in the background, they also use and sell your data, bug you with malicious ads that lead to phishing websites or even spy on you.
Three factors were identified for an app to be considered “dangerous”. The first one is the number of dangerous permissions the app is requesting from you. Second is the location of the app developers and if they have any history related to unethical practices such as supporting malware, spyware or other vulnerabilities.
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Some applications were found to request up to seven dangerous permissions that are unnecessary for the app’s functionality. These include permissions for audio recording, GPS tracker, or even seeing and using the phone’s contacts. One app can even turn your camera on without your consent.
Experts warn users to delete these apps to prevent any security risks. They also ask the public to take extra precautions in downloading applications in their mobile devices.
List of dangerous Beauty Camera apps on Android
B612 – Beauty & Filter Camera
Beauty Camera
Beauty Camera – Best Selfie Camera & Photo Editor
Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera
Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera & Photo Editor
Beauty Camera – Selfie Camera with Photo Editor
Beauty Camera Makeup Face Selfie, Photo Editor
Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera Makeup Photo
Beauty Makeup, Selfie Camera Effects, Photo Editor
Beauty Selfie Plus – Sweet Camera Wonder HD Camera
BeautyCam
BeautyPlus – Easy Photo Editor & Selfie Camera
Bestie – Camera360 Beauty Cam
Candy Camera – selfie, beauty camera, photo editor
Face Makeup Camera & Beauty Photo Makeup Editor
HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera
Makeup Camera-Selfie Beauty Filter Photo Editor
Photo Editor – Beauty Camera
Pretty Makeup, Beauty Photo Editor & Selfie Camera
Selfie cam – bestie makeup beauty camera & filters
Selfie Camera – Beauty Camera
Selfie Camera – Beauty Camera & AR Stickers
Selfie camera – Beauty Camera & Makeup camera
Selfie Camera – Beauty Camera & Photo Editor
Sweet Selfie – Selfie Camera & Makeup Photo Editor
Sweet Selfie Snap – Sweet Camera, Beauty Cam Snap
Sweet Snap – Beauty Selfie Camera & Face Filter
YouCam Perfect – Best Photo Editor & Selfie Camera
YouCam Perfect – Best Selfie Camera & Photo Editor
Z Beauty Camera
Via: Mirror