The banking Trojan Anatsa sneaks onto your cell phone disguised as an app and steals your money. This is how you recognize the infected software and protect yourself from the danger.
- Android users are being targeted by the banking Trojan Anatsa.
- The malware gets onto your phone via infected apps and steals your data.
- You should be particularly careful when downloading PDF applications.
Many apps from the Google Play Store can make your everyday life easier with their functions. But it is not uncommon for supposedly harmless software to hide malware. Just one wrong click can quickly lead to your smartphone becoming infected. The banking Trojan Anatsa also gets onto your Android device this way.
The criminals want to use the malware to gain access to your bank account and steal your money. They are also after login data. To obtain this information, the malware is hidden in applications such as PDF Viewer or PDF Reader.
Unobtrusive distribution
As the information platform Watchlist Internet reports, cybercriminals circumvent Google’s security precautions using a complex but effective trick when spreading the information. After installing the PDF app, you will be asked to download an add-on. The Trojan is hidden there.
Once the malware is on your smartphone, it can record your keyboard input using a keylogger. So if you type in your login details for online banking or another account, this information will be forwarded to the cybercriminals. This way they can easily access and make transfers. The fraudsters convert the stolen money into cryptocurrency and forward it.
This is how you protect yourself
To counteract unauthorized access, we strongly recommend using two-factor authentication. Even if your login details fall into the wrong hands, access to your account remains protected with this method. It’s best to use authentication for all your accounts.
It is not yet known which apps are specifically affected. However, Anatsa is not an unknown danger. The Trojan has already hidden in Office, editor, fitness applications and QR scanners in the past. Since the apps are fully functional, they don’t cause a stir. You should be particularly careful when downloading such inconspicuous everyday apps.
However, the general rule when downloading is: only download your software from reputable sources. But also keep your eyes open for official providers such as the Google Play Store and the App Store. As it turns out, malware creeps in there every now and then. Therefore, always check the reviews, the manufacturer and the required permissions carefully.
To make sure that you are not affected, you should immediately check your installed PDF reader or viewer. For example, if it is no longer available in the Play Store, the app has probably been deleted because it is dangerous. Then you should also remove the application from your smartphone or tablet.
Additional protection with an antivirus program for your Android phone is also recommended.
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