Abu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE government’s Cyber Security Council has warned of the dangers of downloading fake applications onto smartphones and smart devices. The council emphasized that these applications could be used to steal personal data and sensitive information, or to carry out cyber fraud and extortion targeting individuals and organizations.
Widespread use of fake apps
The council explained that fake apps have become one of the most dangerous tools of online fraud today. Scammers meticulously mimic the interfaces of genuine apps, using names and logos that are almost identical to those of real applications. Therefore, detecting them is difficult, even for some experienced users.
The council noted that more than 85% of fake apps impersonate well-known applications. This makes it easy to deceive users and trick them into downloading them without verifying their source or developer.
Figures reveal the scale of the phenomenon
The council stated that approximately 73% of organizations worldwide experienced some form of online fraud through fake apps or other malicious digital tools during 2025. This reflects the widespread nature of the phenomenon and its growing impact on the digital economy.
Furthermore, in a single year, more than 200 fake apps were detected and downloaded over 40 million times from the Google Play Store before being identified and removed. This highlights the rapid spread of these apps and their reach to millions of devices worldwide.
Indicators that help detect fake apps
The council pointed to several indicators that can help users distinguish between genuine and fake apps. Among the most important is checking the developer’s name; authentic apps are usually released by well-known companies or verified developers, while fake apps often have names similar to the originals with only slight differences.
The council also advised reviewing user ratings and paying attention to the permissions an app requests. Requesting access to photos, the camera, or contacts without a clear justification is a serious warning sign. It stressed the importance of never paying any money if you are a victim of online extortion, as this may encourage extortionists to demand more money or information.
