By skyforbes 
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the digital landscape — but not always for the better. While ChatGPT has transformed how people interact with technology, cybercriminals have seized this momentum to launch a new wave of malware disguised as ChatGPT mobile apps 😈.
Recent security research by Appknox analysts uncovered a troubling trend: fake ChatGPT applications infiltrating third-party app stores with the sole purpose of harvesting sensitive user data and conducting stealth surveillance. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, how these attacks unfold, and what we can learn from it.
🤖 What Exactly Happened?
With ChatGPT’s global fame skyrocketing, millions of users began searching for “ChatGPT apps” — especially on Android marketplaces outside Google Play. Threat actors quickly exploited this behavior by developing malicious clones mimicking OpenAI’s legitimate branding and design.
These counterfeit apps appear legitimate, offering “enhanced ChatGPT experiences” or “offline AI chat features.” However, behind the friendly interface lies full-fledged spyware capable of:
- Stealing contacts, SMS messages, and call logs 📞