- Mobile phone users are being urged to exercise caution due to a significant increase in Android malware designed to steal personal and financial information.
- Malicious apps are often downloaded through deceptive methods, including unexpected updates or requests to install seemingly legitimate tools like file managers or PDF readers.
- Once installed, these apps can employ sophisticated techniques such as overlaying fake login screens on banking apps or displaying 'busy' messages to mask fraudulent activity.
- A coalition of anti-fraud, cybersecurity, and finance organisations, including The Cyber Defence Alliance, UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric, has joined forces to address this surge.
- Users are advised to 'stop before you tap,' be vigilant about unusual permission requests, particularly accessibility access, and only download applications from trusted sources.
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