Intelligence agencies warn use of these 52 Apps, red-flagged over security concerns

According to a report submitted by Indian intelligence agencies, about 52 Apps pose security threat to the Indian users. Compiling the report, Intelligence Agencies have warned users over the use of listed 52 Apps. About 52 mobile apps with ‘links to China’ pose security risks to users, Hindustan Times report says. In list of those apps pose security risks, Intelligence agencies include popular TikTok, SHAREIt, UC Browser, UC News and file sharing app Xender. Security agencies also include file storing app ES File Explorer, DU Battery Saver, DU Cleaner, Helo, 360 Cleaner and red-flagged over the use of these apps.

As per report the agencies have asked Indian Government to either block these apps or issue advisory to people from not using these apps, raising safety concerns. According to the agencies, these 52 apps which are listed in high security risks, extract a large amount of data from Indian users and send it to servers outside the country. Following the report Indian National Security Council Secretariat has also supported the list, a report said.

A Forbes report published last month alleged Xiaomi of recording and sending user data to remote servers according to a recent report by Forbes. But the brand denied any wrongdoing in the matter. Officials have arguments over the same as there are many mobile applications launched by developers in China that have posed security risks as they have the potential to be used as spyware or other malicious ware as per reports. Even western intelligence agencies have also raised similar concerns related to China-linked apps over the years.

List of Chinese Apps pose security risk

According to Indian Intelligence Agencies report, the list of 52 Apps pose security risk includes some high branded apps including SHAREIt, TikTok, UC Browser, UC News, Xender & YouCam makeup. Following apps are enlisted by Intel. Agncies.

The list of Apps includes- Clash of Kings, SHEIN, UC Browser, 360 Security, APUS Browser, Baidu Map, Baidu Translate, BeautyPlus, Bigo Live, CacheClear DU apps studio, Clean Master – Cheetah, ClubFactory, CM Browser, DU Battery Saver, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, DU recorder,

ES File Explorer, Helo, Kwai, LIKE, Mail Master, NewsDog, Parallel Space, Perfect Corp, Photo Wonder, QQ International, QQ Launcher, QQ Mail, QQ Music, QQ NewsFeed, QQ Player, QQ Security Centre, ROMWE, SelfieCity,

SHAREit, UC News, Vault-Hide, Vigo Video, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), VivaVideo- QU Video Inc, WeChat, Weibo, WeSync, Wonder Camera, Xender and YouCam Makeup, a source reported.

The list also includes Zoom which had been flagged by the Union Home Ministry that had issued an advisory against the app earlier this year. Zoom had said that they had been in discussion with the government and were bullish on security for the app as per previous reports.

Should Read- Remove China App removed from Google Play Store

Xiaomi Smartphone & Mi ingredients also pose risk

• Apart from this, Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi has also been flagged in the past over data security concerns.
• It also includes a list of apps from one of India’s most popular smartphone brand, Xiaomi- Mi Community, Mi Store, Mi Video call-Xiaomi.

In the same row back in 2014, the Indian Air Force had sent a circular to its personnel warning them against the use of the device after a security firm had reported that the devices were pre-loaded with software to spy on users, the New Indian Express had reported. In an incident last year, among all Mi smartphones in country, the time schedule changed with a difference of 2 hours at a sudden, an expert familiar with the report said.

Source- Hindustan Times