Warning: Malicious Apps Are Impersonating AI Tools
KnowBe4, Friday, November 7th, 2025
Researchers at Appknox warn that malicious apps are impersonating popular AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E to trick users into installing malware on their mobile devices. Some of these apps simply collect user data to be sold to advertising services, while others act as full-fledged malware.
'The app 'DALL-E 3 AI Image Generator,' hosted on Aptoide, presents itself as an OpenAI product and promises AI-powered image generation, but contains no AI capability whatsoever,' Appknox writes. 'Instead, the app connects exclusively to advertising and analytics services - Adjust, AppsFlyer, Unity Ads, and Bigo Ads - funneling user data for monetization.'
Another app, called 'WhatsApp Plus,' installs 'a full malware framework capable of surveillance, credential theft, and persistent background execution.'