Since their breakthrough in the market, dating apps have become a highly popular tool for people looking for a partner, open relationships or simply interested in socializing, ensuring information security awareness experts. Among the different options available, Tinder is probably the most popular app, with millions of active users per month, and it is precisely this popularity that has made this platform the center of operations of multiple malicious users, who create fake profiles for malicious purposes.
In addition to fake profiles, there are Tinder bots, which are a simple software variant with the ability to reply messages much like legitimate users, which can go completely unnoticed.
For frequent users of these platforms, information security experts have developed a number of helpful recommendations to help them identify potential malicious users or bot accounts on Tinder.
Incomplete biography
The timeline is probably the most important element of a Tinder profile, even more than the user’s photos, so it would be suspicious if an account did not provide further details in this section. For many information security researchers this is the main sign of suspicion.
Response time is always the same
When interacting with another account in Tinder the response time may vary. However, users should consider a bot to be an automated program that does not take into account variables, so the response time will be invariably fast; you have to take things realistically, no user immediately responds to all their messages.
Meaningless and out-of-context responses
Bots don’t understand concepts like context in a conversation, so users will often find answers without a clear sense, an indication that they are interacting with a software tool.
No one is perfect, even though bots appear to be perfect
In Tinder we can find all kinds of profiles showing their photos as they are. With regard to fake profiles, it is a very common practice for bot operators to steal photos of models or influencers with great physical appeal to engage unsuspecting users. Remember, a profile with overly elaborate or perfect photos is surely a fake profile.
Malicious users can ask for things in return
Users should be careful if a Tinder profile asks them for money, gifts or anything in exchange for this interaction, as it could be a scam. Under no circumstances should they deliver any financial details to strangers on these platforms.
For further reports on vulnerabilities, exploits, malware variants and computer security risks, it is recommended to visit the International Institute of Cyber Security (IICS) website, as well as the official platforms of technology companies.
He is a well-known expert in mobile security and malware analysis. He studied Computer Science at NYU and started working as a cyber security analyst in 2003. He is actively working as an anti-malware expert. He also worked for security companies like Kaspersky Lab. His everyday job includes researching about new malware and cyber security incidents. Also he has deep level of knowledge in mobile security and mobile vulnerabilities.
