Android users need to be careful because malware is spreading that may result in cyber fraud, or simply empty your hard-earned money. It can illegally extract money from several banking apps on your Android phone.
It comes after a blog post by Cybersecurity Researchers Group-IB. The blog post highlights that this Android trojan—codenamed “GoldDigger”— was detected in August. It has been affecting users in Vietnam and may attack Indian users, too.
The cybersecurity firm has also informed VNCERT—India’s CERT-IN equivalent—about the potential threads.
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This Android Trojan is named “GoldDigger”
It has been active since June 2023, per the cybersecurity firm that first spotted it. It appears on your phone just like any other Android app and can disguise itself as a national portal and local energy company.
The primary goal of GoldDigger is to extract money by stealing banking credentials. It extracts personal information from text messages by secretly accessing them and reading them. Furthermore, it also has remote access capability, meaning that someone from oceans away can remotely control your device without your permission.
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How to be on the safer side
There are a few points to follow to be on the safer side.
- Keep your Android device updated to the latest version (some companies provide security updates for an extended period even if the company has stopped major OS updates)
- Don’t install apps from unauthorized third-party websites or app stores.
- Download banking-related apps from the Google Play Store and pay attention to ratings and reviews. Some apps disguise themselves as one banking app.
- Don’t give personal information i.e. text messages, call logs, and contacts access to any app unless it’s the only option left.
