Bitget App
Trade smarter
Buy cryptoMarketsTradeFuturesEarnSquareMore
200,000 Potential Victims Identified As Malware Disguised As Legitimate Apps Crack Bank Accounts, Warns CIFAS

200,000 Potential Victims Identified As Malware Disguised As Legitimate Apps Crack Bank Accounts, Warns CIFAS

Daily HodlDaily Hodl2025/08/02 16:00
By:by Henry Kanapi

A prominent fraud prevention service says international crime groups are spreading malware designed to steal victims’ banking information.

The London-based Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (CIFAS) says it is witnessing a surge in Android malware attacks targeting banking apps.

CIFAS says  that while the malware targets Android users, other mobile platforms are not immune to attacks, noting that the malicious software may have hit 200,000 victims in just six months.

“These malicious apps often look like legitimate tools – such as file managers, PDF readers, phone cleaners, or even browsers like Google Chrome. Once installed, they can appear harmless but later activate harmful features through hidden updates.

Key techniques criminals use include:

Overlaying fake login screens on top of real banking apps to steal login credentials.

Displaying deceptive ‘busy’ or ‘waiting’ screens to mask fraudulent activity.

Preventing users from exiting the app or restarting their device.

Requesting excessive permissions, especially ‘accessibility’ access.”

According to CIFAS, users should be on the lookout for signs that their phones are infected with malware, including prompts to reauthenticate during a banking session, “busy” messages from banking apps, unexpected notifications to update or install Google Chrome and prompts to grant unusual permissions, particularly accessibility access.

Says CIFAS CEO Mike Haley,

“The surge in Android malware is not just a tech issue – it’s a growing threat to consumers and to banking services we all rely on. Criminals are evolving their tactics faster than ever, using deception and stealth to bypass traditional security measures.

The best defence is awareness. If something feels off – an unexpected update, a strange app request – stop before you tap and always seek a second opinion. Education and vigilance are our frontline tools in the fight against fraud.”

 

0

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

PoolX: Earn new token airdrops
Lock your assets and earn 10%+ APR
Lock now!

You may also like

2025 TGE Survival Ranking: Who Will Rise to the Top and Who Will Fall? Complete Grading of 30+ New Tokens, AVICI Dominates S+

The article analyzes the TGE performance of multiple blockchain projects, evaluating project performance using three dimensions: current price versus all-time high, time span, and liquidity-to-market cap ratio. Projects are then categorized into five grades: S, A, B, C, and D. Summary generated by Mars AI This summary was generated by the Mars AI model, and the accuracy and completeness of its content are still being iteratively updated.

MarsBit2025/11/28 16:26
2025 TGE Survival Ranking: Who Will Rise to the Top and Who Will Fall? Complete Grading of 30+ New Tokens, AVICI Dominates S+

Mars Finance | "Machi" increases long positions, profits exceed 10 million dollars, whale shorts 1,000 BTC

Russian households have invested 3.7 billion rubles in cryptocurrency derivatives, mainly dominated by a few large players. INTERPOL has listed cryptocurrency fraud as a global threat. Malicious Chrome extensions are stealing Solana funds. The UK has proposed new tax regulations for DeFi. Bitcoin surpasses $91,000. Summary generated by Mars AI. The accuracy and completeness of this summary are still being iteratively updated by the Mars AI model.

MarsBit2025/11/28 16:26
Mars Finance | "Machi" increases long positions, profits exceed 10 million dollars, whale shorts 1,000 BTC

How much is ETH really worth? Hashed provides 10 different valuation methods in one go

After taking a weighted average, the fair price of ETH exceeds $4,700.

ForesightNews 速递2025/11/28 15:05
How much is ETH really worth? Hashed provides 10 different valuation methods in one go

Dragonfly partner: Crypto has fallen into financial cynicism, and those valuing public blockchains with PE ratios have already lost

People tend to overestimate what can happen in two years, but underestimate what can happen in ten years.

深潮2025/11/28 14:53
Dragonfly partner: Crypto has fallen into financial cynicism, and those valuing public blockchains with PE ratios have already lost