Apple only removed a suspected dangerous replica of LastPass from the App Store for iOS after those responsible for the password manager went public. LastPass already warned about the “LassPass Password Manager” app in a blog entry on Wednesday and pointed out that it copies its own application. According to The Register, the app, which allegedly targets access data from deceived users, was only removed on Thursday evening. Although this is not the first such incident, the clone could have been particularly dangerous.
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Clear violation of Apple’s rules
In the blog entry Mike Kosak from Last Pass explained that they wanted to warn users of their own service. The copy mimics LastPass’s branding and user interface, but upon closer inspection there are spelling errors and other clues that make it clear that it is a fraudulent application. There are two screenshots that underline this. They are working tirelessly to get the application deleted and to look for further clones. According to The Register But it only disappeared when Apple asked about it on Thursday evening.
Just last spring, Apple adjusted its App Store rules to make it clear that submitting apps that impersonate other apps or services was a violation. There is still no comment from the US company on the current case. He is currently busy preparing an EU requirement to open up his devices to applications from alternative sources. However, there is criticism of the implementation and the App Store will remain by far the most important source for iOS apps for the foreseeable future.
(mho)