NEW DELHI: A report has revealed that China is continuing to steal data from countries, including India, using third-party apps. This data theft began after the Indian Army thwarted China's attempt to infiltrate across the Galwan Valley and after the COVID-19 pandemic. India's critical infrastructure, including healthcare, energy distribution, and more, has repeatedly faced cyberattacks from China. These incidents serve as stark evidence of the magnitude of China's intrusion.
It has become almost clear that China was behind incidents ranging from the attack on national grids in 2021 to last year's cyberattack on AIIMS. India had previously banned TikTok, PUBG, WeChat, UC Browser, Club Factory, and over 200 similar apps due to data security concerns. However, intelligence sources now suggest that widespread data theft continues through third-party apps commonly used by Indians.
Apps downloaded from sources other than the Play Store pose significant risks. Moreover, intelligence sources emphasize that not all apps on the Play Store are secure. China has disseminated numerous seemingly harmless apps aimed at collecting sensitive data. The best way to avoid potential risks is to refrain from downloading and using suspicious apps.