Fake LastPass App Sneaks Past Apple's Review Team

Popular password management app LastPass is warning customers about a fraudulent app that uses a similar name and icon to attempt to trick LastPass customers into using the fake app instead of the real app (via Bleeping Computer).

lasspass fake password manager app
The "LassPass Password Manager" app was somehow approved by Apple's App Store review team, even though it appears to clearly mimic the LastPass app. It doesn't use exactly the same icon and the name is a letter off, but the similarities could confuse some LastPass users.

It is unclear if the fake LassPass app is attempting to steal login information from users, but it does have options for adding passwords, email accounts, addresses, bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, and more. It doesn't ask for a LastPass login of any kind, but it is possible that the developer can see information added to the app.

There is also a "PRO" upgrade that costs $1.99 per month, $9.99 per year, or $49.99 for a "lifetime" subscription, so the aim of the app may be collecting subscription money from customers. Either way, LastPass users should be aware of the fake app and should avoid it. At best it is aiming to steal money, and at worst, it is stealing passwords and credit card information.

Clone apps often make their way into the ‌App Store‌, but the app impersonating LastPass is particularly concerning because it could be accessing sensitive information. It is not clear how an app mimicking one of the most popular password management apps was approved by Apple, and its discovery comes at a critical time for the company.

Apple has been promoting the safety and security of the ‌App Store‌ as it prepares to allow for alternate app marketplaces in the European Union, and allowing a fake password management app onto the ‌App Store‌ is not a good look.

LastPass contacted Apple to get the clone app removed from the ‌App Store‌, and it was pulled at around 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 8.
Apple removed the fraudulent LassPass app because it violated the ‌App Store‌ rule preventing copycat apps. The developer has also been removed from the Apple Developer Program and won't be able to submit future apps.

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Top Rated Comments

till Avatar
11 months ago
When you open the App Store in iOS 17.4, at least in the EU, you get a new message about how the App Store is wonderful and safe and secure and private. Really embarrassing time for this to happen. It's really easy for an app like this to steal your passwords unless Apple is doing a meticulous security audit, which they're clearly not.
Score: 70 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nt5672 Avatar
11 months ago
If Apple spent the money they spend on advertising that the App Store is secure in actually making the App Store secure we would all benefit.
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeeW Avatar
11 months ago
Harder to argue against the EU doing what they do whilst preaching the safety and security of Apple when this happens.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
11 months ago
Good thing we’ll have safer alternative app stores soon and won’t have to rely on Apple’s superficial app review anymore.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbplayer5 Avatar
11 months ago
Apple is getting to the point where they REALLY need to be taken down a peg.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
11 months ago

I can understand a dodgy update sneaking through because those are mostly approved automatically but shouldn't an actual person be reviewing NEW apps? How the heck did this sneak through?
Reviewers too busy defending Apple and their anti-consumer ways on MacRumors :p
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)