We all know that smartphones and other devices that are able connect to the internet, are as likely to be targeted by viruses or malwares as computers. McAfee has been evaluating this situation, and found out that since 2016 attacks known as the Android banking Trojans have increased not only in number, but also in strength. These are probably the most “in your face” attacks literally, as the infected apps will ask you for pictures of your identification document with you holding it, while giving your brightest smile for the camera. This is obviously only done for “verification purposes”…
Everyone knows, or should know, that app downloading poses security and even privacy concerns, due to the permission settings you have to agree to. In addition, modern threats also ask for information such as your relatives’ middle names, or memorable words. Others go even further, and will ask you to be ingenuous enough to wear a smile in front of your smartphone’s camera, while holding your ID card. The malware in question has been described as a codec add-on or plugin, necessary for Android apps, such as adult content apps, Flash Player, Dropbox, WhatsApp, and even for some games to run properly – tricking users into having it installed.
After you unsuspectingly installed the malware, it will start asking for administrator privileges, so its removal becomes as hard as possible. Immediately after you’ll be flooded with information requests, such as credit card details, and the aforementioned questions as a “second level” authentication. At last comes the final mockery on you as you’ll need to take pictures of your ID card front and backsides, along with one last picture of you holding your card and smiling.
Whenever you see an app, regardless of how trustworthy it may seem, asking for administrative privileges and credit card or other personal information, it should instantly trigger your alarm, as this is the first warning signwhich should never be ignored. All the information gathered along with the pictures that you provided, will enable phishing perpetrators to remotely access different systems, including your bank account and even your social networks – since your identity can be easily confirmed.
Fortunately apps containing such doubtful requirements are usually coming from strange third-party app stores, so make sure to keep away from any of those and absolutely never download anything coming from there. Also, you can always have your Android device protected with security software, and use decent mobile friendly VPN providers to surf anonymously and avoid further issues, such as direct snooping among others.
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