Highly dangerous malware: This app steals your bank details and films your display


CURRENT FRAUD WARNINGS

Disguised as a legitimate app, malware gets onto your cell phone and steals your bank details. This is how you recognize the affected app and protect yourself from the attack.

The malware “Vultur” is hidden in a fake app. (Source: netzwelt.de)

  • A highly dangerous malware sneaks onto your cell phone disguised as a normal app.
  • The malware “Vultur” spies on you and steals your bank details.
  • We’ll show you how to protect yourself from the attack and which app you need to delete.

Cybercriminals have once again come up with something new to infect your smartphone and steal valuable data. They use the highly dangerous malware called “Vultur”. Since it was first discovered by security experts in 2021, the malware has been constantly improved. However, the mode of distribution remains similar.

“Vultur” gets onto your cell phone with the help of dropper apps. These are applications that appear legitimate and are offered under a false name. The cyber threat lurks unnoticed behind the facade. Your bank details are usually the target of the attack. The infected software is often introduced into the Google Play Store and offered for download. This time, however, the criminals are acting differently.

A nasty combination

The attack wave uses different types of cyber threats, which makes it all the more dangerous. The first step takes the form of a phishing message that you receive via SMS. You will be warned about an unauthorized transaction on behalf of your bank. There will also be a phone number that you should call for your protection.

If you dial the number, a scammer will pick up the phone and ask you to download the McAfee antivirus app. You will receive the link to the software in another SMS. However, this leads to a fake McAfee website where the fake software is foisted on you.

If the app is installed on your Android smartphone, the fraudsters gain third-party access to it. As Bleeping Computer reports, this way hackers can deactivate device protection, access your sensitive data and also bypass the security measures of your banking apps. The malware only works in the background and is very difficult to detect. So you don’t even notice that your smartphone is being checked and your bank account is being plundered.

The chain of infection "Vultur".

The infection chain of “Vultur”. (Source: Fox IT)

Dangerous malware

According to Zimperium, “Vultur” is one of the ten most dangerous malware programs in the world. This is mainly due to its widespread distribution and high activity. The constant improvements make it a growing threat. In 2023, “Vultur” attacked a total of 122 banking apps in 15 countries.

The new “Vultur” variant can download, upload, delete, install and find files on the device. It can also imitate clicking, scrolling and swiping. She can also bypass the lock screen and gain unhindered access to all content on the smartphone.

This is how you protect yourself

Although the malware poses a great danger, you are not helpless against it. In fact, you can use very simple measures to avoid falling into the trap.

First of all, you shouldn’t believe messages from strange numbers. Especially not if they supposedly come from your bank. No reputable credit institution would ask you to call back via SMS or send you a link to an antivirus program. In general, you should never open unknown links.

Third-party apps are also a no-no. Download software only from official sources. But be careful yourself. Fake apps are often hidden in the Google Play Store. Therefore, check the manufacturer, the comments and the requested permissions before each download. We recommend additionally providing your Android phone with virus protection. The real antivirus program from McAfee also protects you.

Even if legitimate apps don’t infect your smartphone with malware, they can still pose a threat to your privacy. In order not to be constantly under surveillance by large companies, you should delete these three apps.

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