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Hacker scam: 760 Android apps threaten account data worldwide!
Cybercriminals are using over 760 fraudulent apps to scam Android users out of money in multiple countries. Protect your data!
Hacker scam: 760 Android apps threaten account data worldwide!
Cybercrime has reached new heights as Zimperium researchers point to a large-scale campaign targeting Android users. There are currently over 760 malicious apps in use that allow hackers to steal banking information from unsuspecting users. These apps use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to access critical data and intercept payment information during tap-to-pay transactions.
The attackers disguise their apps as legitimate banking and government applications. Unknowing users are tricked into setting these malicious programs as their default NFC payment methods. Once installed, the apps can gain access to sensitive data such as login details, card numbers, expiration dates and EMV fields. The stolen information is then transmitted to the attackers via private Telegram channels.
Scope and target regions of the attacks
The campaign was first discovered in April 2024 and has expanded significantly. It currently targets users in several countries including Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Brazil. Researchers found that these malicious apps also impersonate institutions such as major banks, including Santander, VTB, Tinkoff, Promsvyazbank, Bradesco and PKO Bank Polski.
These aggressive tactics are not only alarming but also well organized. The malicious applications send the collected data to a network of over 70 command and control servers. Dozens of automated Telegram bots are responsible for coordinating processes. They manage the incoming data, execute commands and oversee the entire operation of this campaign.
To protect yourself from these dangers, Android users should be careful and only download trusted apps. It is advisable to check the permissions of applications and regularly install operating system security updates. The current situation highlights the importance of being aware of cyber threats and taking proactive measures to protect personal information.
For more information about cybercriminals' activities and how to protect yourself, we recommend reading Zimperium's report, which examines the background and details of this matter. Daily Hodl reports on the dangers of these malicious apps in more detail.