Be careful when using photo editing applications

Photo taking and editing application with rich AI wardrobe has been causing a stir on social networks recently. Photo: TN

In recent days, many images of men or women wearing pink dresses have appeared, causing a stir on social networks. According to cybersecurity experts, this is an AI photo collage product. The photo is created from an original photo along with an application, users can put their face into 70 available outfits on the application and create a realistic image. These types of applications are appearing more and more on social networks, making users very excited.

However, cybersecurity experts have expressed concern about the possibility that the images users provide to the app could be used for malicious purposes such as online fraud.

Specifically, expert Vu Ngoc Son - Head of Technology Research of the National Cyber ​​Security Association said that Internet users need to be careful when using this photo collage application. When using this type of application, it will require access to the photo folder on the user's device. This will cause the risk of information and sensitive images being leaked.

According to Mr. Son, with the current development of AI, images are very valuable data. AI can tell who a person is, what their interests are, where they often go, and even who they know, just through photos. Collecting photos and reselling them to companies that exploit and use data is quite common. In the case of data being sold by applications, users may receive many advertisements, harassment, or this data can be exploited for other purposes such as fraud and blackmail.

“If you do not really know the origin of the application, users should not download it. Users should be aware of protecting their data. In the upcoming plan of the National Cyber ​​Security Association, Deepfake AI will be carefully researched and there will be warnings to the community,” Mr. Son advised.

The Vietnam Cyber ​​Security Community page also warns that some photo editing applications integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) are developed by foreign companies. When installing the application, users may be asked to grant access to photos, cameras, device memory and even other personal data. If not strictly controlled, users' personal information may be collected and used for unwanted purposes.

Photo data and personal information can be collected and stored on foreign servers without the user's knowledge. This raises concerns that the data can be used for advertising purposes, tracking or even sold to third parties. In addition, the popularity of applications developed by reputable companies can lead to the emergence of many fake applications by scammers. These applications can contain malware, posing a risk of stealing personal information, bank accounts or being attacked by cybercriminals. Users need to be careful and only download applications from official sources such as Google Play or App Store to avoid fake applications containing malware; control access rights and only grant necessary permissions; do not upload sensitive images to avoid the risk of exposing personal data; regularly check and update applications to avoid security vulnerabilities; cancel subscriptions to unwanted service packages to avoid unwanted charges. In particular, when using applications from foreign developers, it is necessary to be cautious with security and privacy risks to avoid unfortunate consequences.

Recently, the Ministry of Public Security has also issued a warning via text messages (SMS) to phone users nationwide about the exploitation of images and videos publicly available on the internet to edit, cut, and combine to create sensitive content to threaten and blackmail users. The Ministry of Public Security also recommends that people should be vigilant if they receive messages or calls with the above content; do not transfer money when threatened; when detecting signs of fraud or property extortion, quickly report to the nearest police agency or report via the VNeID application.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/can-trong-khi-su-dung-cac-ung-dung-chinh-sua-anh-10300752.html