Cyber security bureau warns against fake ‘1980s retro photo’ apps - The HinduPublished - September 12, 2026 07:07 pm IST - HYDERABADThe Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) cautioned people against fraudsters exploiting the viral ‘1980s retro photo editing’ trend to steal sensitive information from mobile phones.According to the advisory issued on Saturday, fraudsters are circulating advertisements and messages offering free or unlimited access to applications that transform ordinary photographs into retro-style images. Users are then directed to suspicious links and asked to download APK files from unverified sources.Once installed, malicious applications can seek excessive permissions and potentially access SMS messages and OTPs, contacts, personal information, banking and financial details, notifications and other device data. The stolen information could then be used for financial fraud, unauthorised transactions, identity theft and other cybercrimes, the bureau said.The TGCSB advised people not to click on unknown links received through SMS, WhatsApp, social media or other platforms, and not to install APK files from unknown sources. Applications should be downloaded only from official and trusted app stores, while users should carefully check the permissions sought before installation.People should never share OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking credentials. Those who suspect that they have installed a malicious application should uninstall it immediately and review the permissions granted to it. Keeping mobile operating systems and applications updated with the latest security patches was also advised.“An attractive photo-editing offer can be a trap. Think before you click, verify before you install, and never trust unknown APK files,” TGCSB Director Shikha Goel said.Cybercrime can be reported on 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The bureau has also provided a WhatsApp number, 8712672222, for reporting cybercrime.Published - September 12, 2026 07:07 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }