Beware, new Android malware could empty your bank accounts

In a particularly anxiety-provoking context where electronic devices can become weapons (explosion of beepers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon), the world seems to realize that portable devices are becoming a preferred target for terrorists.

However, this is not new. Because even if physical attacks are in the news, thefts of banking data, photos and other personal information have been perpetrated for several years now.

According to the latest Q2/2024 Gen Threat Report, which measures threats across various cybersecurity solutions (Avast, Norton, AVG, Avira, and LifeLock), over a billion unique attacks are blocked each month. Scams and malicious advertising account for over 87% of threats on desktop and 93% on mobile.

And current events will not contradict them. In recent months, new viruses and malware have been highlighted by the media: Gigabud and Spynote, PixPirate and even Brokewell and Raptor Train.. Enough to make you shudder and wonder if your smartphone is really that well protected.

You may be careful to always download official applications from the Play Store, not to click on suspicious SMS or emails… In short, to follow all the security recommendations with multiple authentications and endless codes… A moment of inattention and disaster, you have been hacked!

There are a few clues that allow us to suspect a malware or ransomware attack on your Android smartphone, and which therefore alert you to a possible theft of personal or banking data.

If you notice that the icon of an app you installed a few days ago disappears from your home screenit is possible that it is malware. Indeed, hackers use this manipulation to make you forget that you have installed this application, thus giving them free rein to search through the files of your device, the coveted data.

If, on the contrary, you notice an app appear in an app drawer (and not on your home screen, that would be too obvious), you can also be the victim of an attack. A first harmless application is installed to pass the controls of Google and Apple, proceeding later to the installation of another infected program, via the web and not the official download stores.

Also be wary of apps that ask for permission to access your camera or files while it is a weather app, for example. And generally, check the permissions granted to apps (never, only when the app is used, etc.).

It is common knowledge that phone batteries wear out quickly and that apps are power hungry. But if you notice a significant drop in your battery level overnightthere may be malware running in the background.

Finally, if your friends contact you to alert you that they are receiving strange messages asking for money or inviting them to click on a suspicious link, then you are sure to have been hacked. Indeed, some viruses can retrieve your contact list and send them SMS or emails to spread the infection.

Then it is time to do something and proceed with the installation of an antivirus specialized in mobile disinfection.

What are the cybersecurity solutions for mobiles?

Norton Mobile Security

Specially designed for nomadic use, Norton Mobile Security knows how to be discreet and ensure your protection in the background and continuously. Indeed, with this powerful antivirus, you will not only find real-time protection, but also a wifi network analysis system, web protection against suspicious sites and phishing.

Apps are also being screened to ensure proactive security. When it comes to phone calls, users will benefit from a spam blocking system thanks to a database of specific numbers. A VPN is also integrated to secure your internet connection and a monitoring system alerts you as soon as a security breach, an update not carried out or an intrusion is detected.

Avast Mobile Security

Already known for its high-performance and popular security solutions, Avast also offers a mobile version of its protection tools. Available for free on Android and iOS, this mobile application invites you to enjoy the Smart Scan which will analyze your system and tell you all the problems encountered. Users will also have a system of monitoring of their emails and other messaging services to block any phishing attempts, but also a VPN to secure their web connections.

In addition to all these features, Avast Mobile Security provides you with a photo vaultprotected by additional authentication (PIN code, fingerprint or shape), as well as a module of cleaning unnecessary temporary files to keep your phone's performance at its best.

AVG Mobile Security

AVG Mobile Security is a popular and reliable antivirus solution, which offers real-time protection against viruses and malware, by analyzing applications and files. The Wi-Fi scanner checks network security, while tools like Photo Vault and App Lock protect privacy. These features are complemented by a hack alert that notifies the user in the event of a data leak, and permission management tools to monitor app access.

Like its competitors, AVG Mobile Security is offered for free to provide effective and essential basic protection, while The Ultimate version offers advanced tools, including a VPN for secure browsing and anti-phishing reinforcementmaking AVG a complete choice for mobile security.