Hackers steal user data from AppAddict service

If you are a sideloading enthusiast, you must have used AppAddict or AppDB at some point in time. Unfortunately, these services just got their data stolen by hackers.

User database of AppAddict and AppDB stolen 

Apparently, hackers just stole the user data from AppAddict and AppDB pirate app stores.

For those who don’t know, AppAddict’s user data along with emails is already available in the public domain. If you are a user of this service, anyone can access your email and spam them.

As far as AppDB goes, no one knows how hackers and spammers got their hands on it. (Update – AppDB Developers have clarified that their data is intact and wasn’t stolen by anyone.)

An affected user posted the following screenshot from his spam folder.

Clearly, all these emails contain spam and have something to do with sending money to some account.

There has been a huge uptick ever since this data leak happened and many users have corroborated this finding.

How can you stay safe?

There was a lot of drama back in 2013 when a few developers split from AppAddict’s team.

According to these dissident developers, this signing service was a scam and built on shaky foundations.

Therefore, they went their own way and founded AppDB. 

I can confirm that this service is safe to use. However, it’s safe to assume they don’t have state-of-the-art security and protection mechanisms.

I highly recommend that you take certain precautions whenever you sign up with a pirate service. Here’s what you should do beforehand –

• Create a throwaway email address and use that for signing up.
• Alternatively, you can use the “+” trick on your main Gmail account and append any text after “+” so you know where an email is coming from.
• Use PayPal wherever possible.
• Use legitimate signing services only.

Did you notice an increase in spam emails and messages lately? If yes, leave your comments below.

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