Yes—an old Snap listing can become dangerous if attackers take over its publisher account. In a campaign reported in January 2026, scammers allegedly used expired publisher email domains to reset access to established Snap Store accounts, then pushed wallet-impersonating updates that asked users for recovery phrases. A familiar app name or long-standing publisher identity is not proof that the current account is still controlled by its original owner.
How the reported Snap Store attack worked
On January 17, 2026, Alan Pope—a former Canonical employee and active Snap publisher—described attackers registering expired domains associated with existing publisher accounts. With control of a lapsed domain, an attacker could trigger a password reset for the linked Snap Store account, take over the established publisher identity, and publish a malicious update. Pope named storewise.tech and vagueentertainment.com as examples he said had been taken over this way; they are reported examples, not a complete incident list. Pope’s account was also summarized by Linuxiac on January 19 and covered by TechRadar on January 23.
The reported malicious apps imitated cryptocurrency wallets, including Exodus, Ledger Live, and Trust Wallet. They presented a wallet-like interface and asked users to enter a recovery phrase; according to Pope, the phrase was then sent to the attackers. Canonical removed reported malicious Snaps, Pope wrote, but discovery and removal could be delayed. The reporting does not establish which listings, if any, remain available now, so treat the named apps and domains as historical examples rather than a current Store inventory.
What Snap users should do
Do not enter a recovery phrase into an unexpected app
A wallet recovery phrase can grant control over the wallet. If an unfamiliar or suspicious app asks you to enter one, stop: do not type it, paste it, or share it. Close the app and verify the wallet software through the project’s established, independently reached channels.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Check the publisher and update history
Before installing or updating a Snap, inspect the publisher identity and the app’s recent update history. An unexpected change or an identity that does not match the project’s established distribution information deserves caution. These checks are signals, not proof: the reported attack specifically involved a familiar publisher identity being taken over.
Verify the distribution route and report suspicious listings
Reach a wallet project’s official site or documentation independently and follow its stated download guidance. This is a verification step, not a guarantee: some projects publish official Snaps too, and no distribution channel is automatically safe. If a Store listing looks suspicious, use the “Report this app” link at the bottom of its Snap Store page, as Pope advises in his post.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What Snap publishers should review
- Keep account-linked domains registered. Renew domains used for publisher account contact or recovery, and avoid letting them lapse.
- Enable two-factor authentication. Pope recommends it alongside domain renewal. The reporting reviewed here does not establish compatibility for any particular security key or authentication product.
Snap’s documentation describes automatic security and update policies and controls for managing interfaces and updates. Those features do not verify that a publisher still controls its account, nor do package confinement and automatic updates prevent an attacker who has taken over that account from issuing a malicious revision. See Canonical’s security and sandboxing documentation for the scope of those controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known—and what remains uncertain
Pope’s January 2026 post provides the closest account of the investigation; he says he worked at Canonical from 2011 to 2021 and continues to maintain Snaps. His report is not a Canonical statement. TechRadar attributed reports of “dozens” of targeted Snaps and cryptocurrency losses ranging from $10,000 to $490,000 to Anchore researchers. Those figures are reported estimates, not an independently established comprehensive count or total. The available reporting does not establish the total number of compromised accounts, malicious apps, affected users, or aggregate losses.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
