‘Steals your passwords and even sends payments’ warn experts over Android app you must delete if it’s still on phone

ANDROID users have been warned about a new wave of malicious software targeting their bank accounts.

These Android banking trojans are cleverly disguised as legitimate apps, waiting to steal your hard-earned cash.

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According to a recent report by Malwarebytes, over 88,500 Android banking trojans were detected in 2023 alone.

One of the most malicious apps uncovered last year was called “RecoverFiles,” which pretended to be a file recovery service.

HOW DO TROJANS WORK?

RecoverFiles and other devious programs wait for unsuspecting users to download them.

Once installed, they can wreak havoc on your finances via several methods.

They can steal your passwords and login credentials by capturing your keystrokes as you type.

This can easily give hackers access to your bank accounts and other sensitive information.

Another way is by gaining access to your device via requesting permissions.

By doing this, bad actors can steal your personal information, including contact lists, messages, and even photos.

Lastly, some trojans can intercept your SMS messages, which allows criminals to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA).

HOW TO STAY SAFE

Malwarebytes shared a few ways you can protect yourself from these digital bandits.

First, pay attention to apps that get flagged as malware and remove them from your device immediately.

Be cautious about what apps you download, meaning you should only download apps from trusted sources.

It can benefit users to read reviews and ratings before downloading any apps. 

Pay attention to apps that ask for permissions and don’t grant unnecessary permissions.

Lastly, always a reputable security app to help detect and block malware, including banking trojans.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk