Security - PSafe Blog https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/category/security/ Articles and news about Mobile Security, Android, Apps, Social Media and Technology in general. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:09:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-psafe_blog_purple-shield-32x32.png Security - PSafe Blog https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/category/security/ 32 32 <![CDATA[Jury Duty Scam: Fake Arrest Warrants Are Targeting Americans]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/jury-duty-scam-fake-arrest-warrants/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:39:14 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21438 What would you do if someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal called and said there was a warrant for your arrest? A few moments later, an official-looking […]

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What would you do if someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal called and said there was a warrant for your arrest? A few moments later, an official-looking document arrives by text or email, showing your name, an alleged violation, and the amount you must pay.

That scenario is at the center of a jury duty scam highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission on June 11, 2026. The documents may look convincing, but the arrest warrants and payment demands are fake. The goal is to frighten people into sending money or revealing personal information.

Why the jury duty scam can seem believable

Missing jury duty can have real consequences, so a message claiming that you ignored a summons may immediately feel serious. Scammers use that concern to make people react before checking whether the story is true.

The caller may pose as a U.S. Marshal, police officer, court employee, or other government official. They might know your full name, address, or other information that makes the conversation sound legitimate. Some scammers also provide badge numbers, courthouse addresses, or the names of real officials.

Government impersonation is part of a much larger fraud problem. The FTC received more than one million imposter scam reports in 2025, with reported losses reaching $3.5 billion. Reports involving government impersonators increased by 40% that year.

How fake arrest warrants are being used

The scheme often begins with a phone call stating that the recipient failed to appear for jury duty. The caller then claims an arrest warrant has been issued and says the matter can be resolved by paying a fine.

A newer part of the scam is the delivery of a fake warrant by text message or email. The document may contain government-style language, seals, case numbers, payment instructions, and a specific amount supposedly owed. Its professional appearance is meant to discourage the recipient from questioning it.

Payment requests may involve cryptocurrency, payment apps, gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid cards, or even cash deposited into a Bitcoin ATM. These methods are commonly requested because they can make recovering the money difficult.

Signs that the arrest warrant is fake

The clearest warning sign is a demand for immediate payment to prevent an arrest. Courts do not call people and require them to pay a fine over the phone. Government agencies also do not insist that a penalty be paid through gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfers.

Real law enforcement agencies do not send arrest warrants through unexpected texts or emails. Officers will not call to threaten an immediate arrest if the recipient hangs up or refuses to follow payment instructions.

Caller ID is not proof that a call is genuine. Scammers can use spoofing technology to make a call appear to come from a police department, courthouse, or U.S. Marshals office. The displayed number may be real even though the person calling has no connection to that agency.

Other warning signs include instructions to remain on the phone, demands for secrecy, pressure to act within minutes, and requests for a Social Security number, bank information, or date of birth.

What to do when someone threatens arrest

Do not argue with the caller or follow instructions included in the document. End the conversation without providing personal or financial information.

Contact the court independently using a phone number from its official website. Do not call a number provided by the person who contacted you. The federal judiciary advises people who receive threatening jury-related calls to contact the appropriate court directly and verify the claim.

Save the caller’s number, email, text, and fake warrant when possible. These details may help investigators identify similar reports. However, avoid opening attachments or clicking links included in an unexpected message.

How to protect yourself from jury duty impersonators

Treat any unexpected payment demand from a government official as a reason to pause and verify. A convincing logo, accurate address, case number, or familiar caller ID does not establish that the request is legitimate.

If money has already been sent, contact the bank, payment app, gift card issuer, wire transfer company, or cryptocurrency platform immediately. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped or flagged as fraudulent.

The FTC recommends reporting jury duty impersonation attempts through its official fraud-reporting service. Reports help authorities identify patterns, warn other consumers, and investigate coordinated impersonation campaigns.

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<![CDATA[Fake CAPTCHA Is Installing Malware on Your Phone — How to Spot It Before You Tap]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/fake-captcha-is-installing-malware-on-your-phone-how-to-spot-it-before-you-tap/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:23:57 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21425 CAPTCHAs are supposed to feel routine. You click a box, type a few letters, or select every image with a traffic light to prove you are not a […]

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CAPTCHAs are supposed to feel routine. You click a box, type a few letters, or select every image with a traffic light to prove you are not a bot.

That routine is exactly what scammers are exploiting.

The FTC has warned about fake CAPTCHA pages that look like normal security checks but are designed to trick people into installing malware on their own devices. Instead of asking for a simple verification, the page may tell you to press keyboard shortcuts, paste commands, approve a download, or follow unusual steps before continuing.

That is the red flag: a real CAPTCHA checks whether you are human. It does not need you to control your device manually.

How the fake CAPTCHA scam works

The scam usually starts while you are browsing a website, opening a link, or landing on a page that suddenly shows a “security verification” prompt.

At first glance, it may look harmless. The screen might use familiar language like “I’m not a robot,” “verify you are human,” or “complete this security check.” That familiar design lowers your guard.

But the next step is what makes the scam dangerous. According to the FTC, some fake CAPTCHA pages instruct users to press commands such as “Windows + R,” then “Ctrl + V,” and then “Enter.” Those steps can paste and run a hidden command that installs malware.

Security researchers have also reported fake CAPTCHA pages that hijack the clipboard and push users into running malicious commands, often leading to information-stealing malware.

Once installed, that malware may try to steal login details, browser data, passwords, online shopping credentials, email access, banking information, or other sensitive data stored on the device.

Why this scam feels believable

Fake CAPTCHA scams work because CAPTCHAs are already part of everyday internet life. People see them when logging into accounts, buying something online, creating profiles, or visiting sites with extra security checks.

That familiarity creates trust.

Scammers copy the look of a normal verification screen and turn a common habit into a trap. The page may feel routine, but the instructions are not.

If a verification screen asks you to open a command window, paste something, install an app, approve a download, or change settings on your device, stop immediately.

A real CAPTCHA may ask you to select images, check a box, type characters, or solve a simple challenge. It does not ask you to run shortcuts, paste commands, or install software to prove you are human.

The biggest warning signs of a fake CAPTCHA

The clearest warning sign is any CAPTCHA that asks you to do more than complete a simple verification task.

Be especially cautious if the page asks you to:

  • press keyboard shortcuts;
  • open Run, Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt;
  • paste a command;
  • approve a download;
  • install an app or extension;
  • disable security settings;
  • act quickly to avoid losing access.

Another warning sign is a CAPTCHA that appears unexpectedly on a site you do not trust, especially after clicking an ad, a shortened link, or a suspicious message.

If a download starts after you interact with the page, do not ignore it. That may mean the scam has already moved from a fake screen to a real threat on your device.

What to do if you think you clicked one

If you believe a fake CAPTCHA caused something to download, install, or run, act quickly.

First, disconnect the device from the internet. This can help limit what scammers may access while you investigate.

Next, run a security scan to look for malware, suspicious apps, or unwanted files. The FTC also recommends changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication from a different device in case the malware already exposed your accounts.

At this point, it is worth adding a protection layer before using the device normally again. dfndr security’s can help check your phone for suspicious apps and potential malware, reducing the risk that a hidden threat keeps exposing your accounts, passwords, or personal data.

After that, focus on your most important accounts first: email, banking apps, online shopping, social media, and any service that stores payment information.

How to protect yourself before the next fake CAPTCHA

The best defense is slowing down before you tap, click, or follow instructions. CAPTCHA screens are common, but they should never ask you to control your device manually.

If a page tells you to paste commands, approve a download, install something, or run a shortcut to prove you are human, leave the page.

Also avoid returning to the same link. Open the official website by typing the address directly into your browser, especially if the CAPTCHA appeared after clicking a message, ad, or unfamiliar page.

Keep your phone, browser, and apps updated. Updates often include security fixes that make it harder for malware to take advantage of known weaknesses.

Fake CAPTCHA scams rely on speed and habit. The more you pause before you tap, the harder it becomes for scammers to turn a routine security check into a stolen account.

 

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<![CDATA[SIM Swap Scams: The Warning Signs That Show Up Before You Lose Your Number]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/sim-swap-scams-the-warning-signs-that-show-up-before-you-lose-your-number/ Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:35:04 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21415 Most people find out their phone number was stolen when their phone goes silent. No signal. No calls. No texts. They assume it’s a network issue. They restart […]

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Most people find out their phone number was stolen when their phone goes silent.

No signal. No calls. No texts. They assume it’s a network issue. They restart the phone. They wait.

By the time they call their carrier, someone else has already been using their number for hours, intercepting verification codes, resetting passwords, working through their accounts one by one. Email. Bank. Crypto. Whatever was connected to that number.

The takeover happened long before the phone went quiet. And the signs were there.

What the days before a SIM swap actually look like

Here’s what victims consistently describe after the fact: in the days leading up to losing their number, small things started happening that didn’t quite add up.

A verification code arrived for an account they hadn’t tried to log into. A password reset notification from a service they hadn’t touched in months. A text from their carrier about an “account update” they never requested.

Every one of those felt like a glitch. A system message. Nothing worth investigating.

That’s not a coincidence, that’s the attack in progress.

Fraudsters don’t just call a carrier and ask to transfer a number. They spend days, sometimes weeks, working up to it. They test account recovery flows. They try to find which services have weak identity verification. They look for any gap between what a carrier knows about you and what they’re willing to accept as proof that someone is you.

Every notification you ignore gives them more time to close that gap.

By the time they make the actual call to your carrier, they’ve usually already assembled enough of your information to pass a customer service verification. Your name, your billing address, the last four of your Social data that’s been sitting in breach dumps for years. The carrier rep has no reason to doubt them. The transfer goes through in minutes.

And you find out when your phone stops working.

Why getting your number back isn’t the hard part

Most people think the goal is to recover access. Get the number back, change the passwords, done.

The problem is what happens in the window between the takeover and the recovery.

Once an attacker controls your number, they don’t just sit on it. They immediately start working through every account that uses SMS verification, because that window won’t last forever and they know it. Email first, usually. Then financial accounts. Then any platform where your email can be used to reset everything else.

By the time you’ve confirmed the SIM swap with your carrier and gotten your number restored, the attacker may have already been inside your email for two hours. Change your passwords. Removed your recovery options. Forwarded your emails to an account you can’t access.

Recovery becomes a much harder conversation than most people expect. Which is why the only version of this that ends well is catching it before the transfer completes.

The window where you can actually do something

There’s a real gap between when an attacker starts moving and when they finish. It’s not instant. They’re making calls, verifying information, waiting for callbacks. There’s friction in the process, which means there’s time, if someone’s paying attention.

Most people aren’t.

Not because they’re careless. Because there’s nothing alerting them that the friction is happening on their behalf. The verification codes that show up uninvited, the carrier activity alerts, the password resets from services they haven’t touched,  these all look exactly like spam. Routine system noise.

The difference between a person who catches a SIM swap attempt and one who doesn’t is almost never skill or awareness. It’s whether they had something helping them connect the dots in real time.

An early warning on a SIM swap attempt isn’t a minor convenience. It’s the difference between an uncomfortable hour on the phone with your carrier and weeks of identity recovery.

Download dfndr security free on Google Play

The warning signs show up before the attack succeeds. The question is whether you’re in a position to see them.

Sources: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2023 Annual Report; Federal Trade Commission Consumer Sentinel Network; PSafe security research.

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<![CDATA[Google Account Hacked? 7 Signs Someone Is Using Your Profile Right Now]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/google-account-hacked-7-signs-someone-is-using-your-profile-right-now/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:49:18 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21412 Receiving a strange alert, seeing an unknown device, or noticing changes in Gmail could mean your Google account has been hacked. Because this profile is often connected to […]

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Receiving a strange alert, seeing an unknown device, or noticing changes in Gmail could mean your Google account has been hacked. Because this profile is often connected to your email, photos, files, YouTube, Android, and saved passwords, any unauthorized access needs immediate attention.

Someone who gets into your account may try to reset passwords for other services, access documents, send messages in your name, or change security settings to make recovery harder.

The good news is that some signs can help you spot the problem quickly. Google also tells users to review recent security events and connected devices when they suspect suspicious activity.

Google account hacked: why this can happen

An account takeover can start with a leaked password, a fake link, a malicious app, or a phishing page. Phishing is a scam where criminals imitate real websites, emails, or messages to steal login details.

Attackers also commonly take advantage of reused passwords. If you use the same password across multiple services and one of them suffers a data leak, your account may be exposed elsewhere.

7 signs someone may be using your Google account

1. You received a login alert you don’t recognize

Messages about a new sign-in, blocked attempt, or password change should be checked carefully. If the location, time, or device doesn’t make sense, treat it as suspicious.

2. Unknown devices appear in your account

In the security area, you can review which devices are connected. A phone, tablet, or computer you don’t recognize may indicate unauthorized access.

3. Your Gmail shows sent messages you didn’t write

Emails sent, deleted, or marked as read without your action are strong signs of a breach. A criminal may use your account to scam your contacts.

4. Recovery settings were changed

A phone number, recovery email, or two-step verification changed without permission requires a fast response. This type of change can make it harder to regain control of your profile.

5. Strange apps or extensions have access to your account

Connected apps may be able to view data depending on the permissions granted. Remove services you don’t use or don’t recognize.

6. Unusual activity appears in Google products

Videos watched on YouTube, files changed in Drive, or edits in Google Photos may indicate someone else is browsing with your profile.

7. You were signed out for no clear reason

Getting suddenly signed out can happen because of an update or glitch, but it can also happen when someone changes your password or security settings.

What to do if you suspect your Google account was hacked

Access your Google Account from a trusted device and review recent security events. If you find anything suspicious, follow Google’s option to report that the activity wasn’t done by you.

Then change your password immediately. Use a new, long, and unique combination. Don’t reuse an old password or predictable variations, such as changing only one number.

How to protect yourself from a hacked Google account

Turn on two-step verification. This feature adds an extra layer of protection because it requires a second confirmation beyond your password for new sign-ins.

Be careful with links received by email, SMS, iMessage, social media, or text message. Before entering your password, check whether the website address is legitimate.

Keep your phone updated, remove unknown apps, and avoid installing extensions you don’t need. Google also recommends running Security Checkup regularly to review risk points.

How dfndr security helps protect your account

Install dfndr security and use Breach Report to check whether your email may be involved in data leaks.

The feature lets you check the email address entered and identify possible exposures linked to it, helping you act faster to change passwords, review suspicious access, and strengthen the protection of your accounts.

It’s an extra layer of care for anyone who wants to monitor risks before they turn into bigger problems.

 

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<![CDATA[Instagram Logged In on Another Phone? How to See Where Your Account Is Active]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/instagram-logged-in-on-another-phone-how-to-see-where-your-account-is-active/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:18:59 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21408 Noticed strange likes, messages you did not send, or an unexpected login alert? That could mean your Instagram is still logged in on another phone — or that […]

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Noticed strange likes, messages you did not send, or an unexpected login alert? That could mean your Instagram is still logged in on another phone — or that someone accessed your profile without permission.

The good news is that Instagram lets you check recent login activity and see where your account is connected. Through Accounts Center, you can access “Where you’re logged in” and log out of devices you do not recognize.

Knowing how to run this check matters because an active session can let someone else read your messages, change profile details, post content, or try to scam your contacts.

Why Instagram may still be logged in on another phone

This can happen for simple reasons, like using your account on an old phone, borrowed tablet, or shared computer and forgetting to log out afterward.

There is also a more serious possibility: someone may have discovered your password through phishing, leaked credentials, or fake pages that imitate Instagram to steal login data.

The problem is that this kind of access is not always obvious. Sometimes, the intruder only watches your messages, changes small settings, or slowly tries to impersonate you.

How to see where your Instagram account is logged in

To check whether your Instagram is open on another phone, follow this path in the app:

  1. Open Instagram and tap your profile picture.
  2. Go to Accounts Center.
  3. Open Password and security.
  4. Select Where you’re logged in.
  5. Choose your Instagram account.
  6. Remove any devices you do not recognize.

Keep in mind that the location shown may be approximate. That is why you should also check the device type, browser, and login time.

Signs someone may be using your Instagram

Some signs deserve attention:

  1. likes or comments you did not make;
  2. changes to your bio, photo, or email;
  3. login alerts from an unusual location;
  4. trouble getting into your account;
  5. posts or stories published without permission.

One sign alone does not confirm that your account was hacked, but a combination of them increases the risk. In that case, acting fast helps reduce the damage.

What to do if you find an unknown login

If a suspicious device appears, end the session immediately using the option to select devices to log out.

After that, change your password. Choose a unique combination with letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing passwords from other services.

Another important step is to review the email, phone number, and linked accounts connected to Instagram. If any information was changed, fix it before the person tries to recover access.

How to protect yourself from new unauthorized logins

Avoid clicking links received through messages, especially when they promise profile verification, a blue check, giveaways, or urgent account recovery.

Be suspicious of pages that ask you to log in outside the official app. Many scams use screens that look like Instagram to capture your username and password.

How dfndr security can help

Suspect unauthorized access to your Instagram? Download dfndr security now and activate AppLock to protect your apps with a password, pattern, or biometrics.

The feature creates an extra layer of security for important apps, such as social media, messaging apps, and accounts that store personal information. That way, even if someone has physical access to your phone, it becomes much harder to open your apps without permission.

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<![CDATA[How Malicious Apps Make It onto the Play Store]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/how-malicious-apps-make-it-onto-the-play-store/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:11:19 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21399 Cybercriminals have evolved alongside security mechanisms. Instead of obvious attacks, today they use sophisticated techniques to bypass automatic verification systems. Some of the most common strategies include: 1. […]

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Cybercriminals have evolved alongside security mechanisms. Instead of obvious attacks, today they use sophisticated techniques to bypass automatic verification systems.

Some of the most common strategies include:

1. Dormant malicious code

Some apps seem harmless at first. Malicious behavior is only activated after days or weeks, or after an update, making initial detection difficult.

2. Updates that change app behavior

An app may be published as legitimate and, after gaining thousands of downloads, receive an update that introduces malicious code.

3. Permission abuse

Apps may request permissions unrelated to their actual function, such as access to SMS, contacts, or accessibility services, opening doors for fraud and spying.

4. Compromised third-party libraries

Even well-intentioned developers can include third-party SDKs that contain suspicious or vulnerable behavior.

What Risks These Apps Pose

When a malicious app is installed, the impact can go far beyond what you expect:

  • Theft of personal and banking data 
  • Monitoring of activities on your phone 
  • Sending SMS or messages without your knowledge 
  • Displaying abusive ads or scams 
  • Installing other apps without authorization 

In many cases, users only realize there’s a problem after they have already suffered a loss.

Why Relying Solely on the Play Store Isn’t Enough

Although Google removes thousands of apps every day, pre-publication checks do not guarantee ongoing protection. An app that was safe yesterday can become a threat tomorrow.

That’s why mobile security needs to go beyond the moment of download.

How dfndr Security Protects You from Malicious Apps

dfndr security acts as an additional layer of protection, continuously analyzing the apps installed on your device.

With the Installed Apps Check feature, dfndr can:

  • Analyze installed apps for suspicious behavior 
  • Detect potentially malicious apps, even after updates 
  • Alert users about risky apps 

This means that even if an app slips past the Play Store, dfndr continues monitoring and helping keep your device safe.

Mobile Security Is an Ongoing Process

In a landscape where threats evolve constantly, relying solely on the source of an app is no longer enough. Protection needs to be active, continuous, and intelligent.

dfndr security was created for exactly this reason:

To ensure your phone stays secure, even as threats change.

👉 Keep your apps safe on your phone. Protect your data. Use dfndr security.

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<![CDATA[Deepfakes: The New Weapon of Digital Scammers]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/deepfakes-the-new-weapon-of-digital-scammers/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:56:20 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21387 The revolution of artificial intelligence has brought countless benefits to our daily lives — from virtual assistants to tools that optimize work and increase productivity. But along with […]

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The revolution of artificial intelligence has brought countless benefits to our daily lives — from virtual assistants to tools that optimize work and increase productivity. But along with these innovations, new risks have also emerged. One of the most dangerous and rapidly growing threats is the deepfake, a technique that uses AI to create fake videos, audio, and images that look incredibly real.

These fabrications can mimic faces, voices, and human expressions so convincingly that even experts often struggle to tell what is real and what has been digitally altered.

 

What Are Deepfakes?

The term deepfake combines deep learning (a type of advanced AI learning) with fake. This technology uses machine learning algorithms to analyze thousands of images and audio samples of a real person, learning their facial features, voice tone, and expressions. With this data, it becomes possible to create fake digital content — for instance, a video of someone saying something they never actually said.

At first, deepfakes were seen as a technological curiosity. But they quickly began to be used to spread misinformation, defame public figures, and carry out sophisticated scams.

 

How Criminals Are Using Deepfakes Today

The most common cases involve financial fraud and trust manipulation. Here are some real and potential scenarios:

The cloned voice scam: a seemingly legitimate audio message from a relative or boss asking for an urgent bank transfer. The voice, tone, and even pauses sound identical to the real person — but everything was generated by AI.

Fake videos on social media: celebrities or public figures shown in controversial situations or promoting fake products. These fabrications are used to attract clicks, spread fake news, or even manipulate elections.

Corporate fraud: deepfakes have been used to impersonate executives in virtual meetings, deceiving employees and resulting in million-dollar losses.

Romance scams: criminals use fake photos and videos in dating apps to emotionally and financially manipulate victims.

These practices are growing quickly — and becoming increasingly accessible. Today, anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can create a basic deepfake in minutes, without being a programmer.

The Impact of Deepfakes on Society

The impact of this technology goes far beyond financial scams. It undermines trust in information, one of the pillars of the digital world.

As deepfakes become more realistic, it’s harder to believe what we see and hear online. This opens the door to disinformation campaigns, public defamation, and even personal blackmail with fake content.

Governments and tech companies worldwide are working to address this problem through legislation, authenticity tracking, and new security tools. Still, the line between real and fake is becoming increasingly blurred.

How dfndr security Can Help You?

The best defense against deepfakes and digital scams begins with knowledge, awareness, and reliable technology.

The dfndr security app, developed by PSafe, offers real-time active protection against the main types of digital threats — including those that use deepfakes to steal data or deceive users.

With dfndr security, you get:

  • Blocking of fake links and websites, often the first step in deepfake-related scams.
  • Real-time alerts for phishing attempts, fraud, and suspicious apps.
  • AI-powered security intelligence capable of detecting malicious patterns before they cause harm.
  • Protection against hacking and data theft, ensuring greater privacy across your digital activities.

In addition, dfndr security is constantly updated to keep up with the latest tactics used by cybercriminals — helping you navigate safely in an increasingly complex digital world.

 

Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Deepfakes

  1. Be skeptical of urgent messages or videos — especially if they request money, personal data, or passwords.
  2. Verify the source before sharing any content.
  3. Use trusted security apps like dfndr security to identify malicious links and apps.
  4. Avoid clicking links sent via email, WhatsApp, or social media unless you’re sure of their origin.
  5. Keep your phone and apps updated, since new versions often include essential security improvements.

Deepfakes represent one of the greatest digital age challenges — and they’re only just beginning. But with knowledge, critical thinking, and the right protection tools, you can stay ahead of these threats and ensure your identity and data remain safe.

Digital security should be part of your everyday life, and dfndr security is your trusted ally on this journey.

Download dfndr security now and stay one step ahead of fraud, fake news, and AI-based scams.

#dfndrsecurity #deepfake #digitalsecurity #privacy #cybersecurity #artificialintelligence #protection

 

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<![CDATA[5 trending digital scams: how AI is making fraud more dangerous]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/5-trending-digital-scams-how-ai-is-making-fraud-more-dangerous/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:18:41 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21376 Every day, millions of mobile phone users receive malicious links through SMS, email, or social media. These links are increasingly sophisticated: with the assistance of artificial intelligence, scammers […]

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Every day, millions of mobile phone users receive malicious links through SMS, email, or social media. These links are increasingly sophisticated: with the assistance of artificial intelligence, scammers can craft messages without errors and even personalize them to their victims.

Phishing and Smishing With AI

AI-powered scams use personalized messages to deceive even cautious users. Scammers pose as trustworthy companies, requesting sensitive data, passwords, or money transfers. Reports show an increase in phishing driven by AI-generated emails to improve speed and credibility.

Payments Scams

Fraudsters deploy malicious apps that monitor and divert transactions, fake QR codes to mislead payment, and false requests for refunds. Techniques even include impersonating tax authorities or banks, demanding quick responses to fraudulent claims.

Fake Call Centers and Employees

Scammers simulate bank call centers, aiming to capture passwords, install malware, or transfer funds. The rise of synthetic AI voices allows for more convincing vishing attacks, making phone-based fraud much harder to detect and resist.

Fake E-Commerce

False online stores and social media profiles lure victims with unreal deals; after payment (often via instant transfer platforms), no product is delivered. AI tools help scammers design authentic-looking websites and manage deceptive customer interactions.

SIM Swap

Criminals transfer a victim’s phone number to a new chip, gaining access to bank accounts and social media via SMS codes. SIM swap fraud has spiked over 1,000% year-on-year, fueled by AI-powered social engineering and voice cloning. Attackers exploit weak carrier identity checks and automated support systems, quickly hijacking entire digital identities and financial assets.

General Recommendations

  • Never click links from unknown sources.

  • Always use two-factor authentication.

  • Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
  • Keep your phone and apps up to date.

  • Use trusted mobile antivirus software. 

If you want maximum protection for your device, consider downloading security apps such as dfndr security for real-time defense.

 

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<![CDATA[Malicious links: what they are and how to protect yourself]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/malicious-links-what-they-are-and-how-to-protect-yourself/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:44:31 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21365 Every day, millions of  cell phone users receive malicious links via SMS, email, or social media. These scams are growing more sophisticated—scammers now commonly use artificial intelligence to […]

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Every day, millions of  cell phone users receive malicious links via SMS, email, or social media. These scams are growing more sophisticated—scammers now commonly use artificial intelligence to create error-free and even personally tailored messages.

Common tactics used by scammers

  • Shortened or masked links: Attackers use shortened URLs or complex domain names to obscure the true destination, making it difficult to spot a dangerous link before clicking.

  • Deceptive promises and urgency: Phishing messages often promise sweepstakes winnings, flash sales, package deliveries, or urgent bank notifications to lure users into clicking quickly without thinking.

  • Fake websites and data entry forms: Clicking a malicious link may redirect you to a convincing fake website where you’re asked to input sensitive details—like banking data, Social Security numbers, or passwords—or may silently trigger a malware download.

  • Impersonation tactics: Scammers frequently impersonate trusted organizations—such as banks, government agencies (e.g., IRS), or online retailers—to legitimize their claims and increase the likelihood of success.

  • Social media exploits: On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, fake profiles or posts lure users with job offers, urgent security warnings, or giveaway announcements, often prompting users to click malicious links or divulge private information.

Real-world impact

  • Financial loss and data theft: These attacks can result in financial fraud, identity theft, and corporate data breaches.

  • Malware and ransomware: Malicious links can install viruses or ransomware on personal or work devices, sometimes encrypting files and demanding a ransom in return for data restoration.

Tips to Protect Yourself

  • Preview before clicking: On a desktop, hover your mouse over a link to reveal its destination. On mobile, press and hold the link for a preview. Avoid clicking if the destination looks suspicious or is unfamiliar.

  • Beware of unknown senders: Avoid clicking on links from unknown or unsolicited sources, whether by email, text, or direct message.

  • Look for signs of deception: Watch for URL misspellings, extra symbols or hyphens, unrecognized domain names, and urgent language or threats of account suspension.

  • Use security solutions: Consider security tools like URL defenses or anti-phishing filters offered by major security providers and popular email services.

  • Be skeptical of official requests: U.S. government agencies like the IRS or USPS will not demand personal data or payment over email or text. Always verify through official channels if in doubt.

  • Report suspicious messages: You can report phishing attempts to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or, in the case of IRS-related scams, to phishing@irs.gov.

Ready to take your mobile security to the next level?

Discover how dfndr security can help protect your devices and data. 

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<![CDATA[Zero Trust: what it is, why it matters, and how dfndr security protects your phone with this concept]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/zero-trust-what-it-is-why-it-matters-and-how-dfndr-security-protects-your-phone-with-this-concept/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:17:58 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=21359 Have you heard of Zero Trust? The term is one of the most  important trends in cybersecurity today—and is increasingly present in mobile device protection. Explore the concept, […]

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Have you heard of Zero Trust? The term is one of the most  important trends in cybersecurity today—and is increasingly present in mobile device protection. Explore the concept, understand its importance, and see how dfndr security puts Zero Trust into action to protect both you and your smartphone.

What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model based on the principle that no network, user, or device should be trusted by default, even if it is “inside” the protected environment. In other words, every access attempt must be verified and authenticated, regardless of its origin. The concept emerged to address the rise in digital threats, user mobility, and the popularity of remote work and cloud computing, which have eliminated traditional security boundaries.

In the Zero Trust model, the rule is clear: never trust, always verify. This means every connection, access, and action is continuously monitored and validated, drastically reducing the chances of attackers exploiting vulnerabilities or moving freely within a system.

Why is Zero Trust important?

With the growth of digital threats and the digitization of personal and professional life, relying solely on traditional security barriers (such as firewalls or standalone antivirus) is no longer enough. Zero Trust offers key benefits:

  • Holistic protection: Covers users, devices, applications, and data, reducing security gaps. 
  • Risk mitigation: Prevents threats from spreading laterally in case of a breach; each access is isolated and monitored. 
  • Fast detection and response: Greater visibility into activities, making it easier to identify and respond to suspicious behavior. 
  • Sensitive data protection: Ensures only authorized users and devices have access to confidential information. 
  • Adaptation to mobile and remote environments: Essential for scenarios where access occurs from any location and device. 

How dfndr security applies Zero Trust to protect your phone

dfndr security incorporates the main pillars of Zero Trust to protect your smartphone from digital threats, scams, and data leaks. Here’s how:

  • Continuous monitoring and constant verification: the app performs automatic and real-time scans, detecting and removing viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats as soon as they appear. No app, file, or link is considered safe without a rigorous analysis. 
  • Protection against scams and phishing attempts: dfndr security identifies and blocks malicious links, fake websites, and phishing scams—even if the threat comes from known contacts or trusted networks. Anti-phishing is a highlighted feature in the English blog, with the app using machine learning and AI to detect phishing in SMS, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, among others (see https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/new-cyber-threats-targeting-android-phones/ ). 
  • Identity and credential monitoring: The 24/7 credential monitoring feature alerts you immediately if your email, password, or personal data leaks online, allowing quick action to prevent harm.  
  • App access control: Allows you to lock access to sensitive apps with a password, preventing curious people or attackers from accessing your personal information even if they have your device. 
  • Alerts against WhatsApp cloning and fraud: dfndr security monitors for cloning attempts and scams on WhatsApp, sending real-time alerts and reinforcing protection against fraud that exploits user trust. 
  • Safe app installation: Before installing any app, dfndr security checks if it’s safe, preventing malicious apps from accessing your device. 

Zero Trust in the palm of your hand

dfndr security translates the Zero Trust concept to the mobile universe, applying the logic of “never trust, always verify” to every action, access, and connection on your phone. Thus, even in a scenario of growing threats—including those driven by artificial intelligence—your device remains protected and you stay in control of your digital security.

 

Ready to defend your Android device against these and other emerging threats?

Discover dfndr security, your trusted antivirus for Android.

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