These malware-infected apps can be used to drain your bank account
DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said that both Android and iOS users should make sure that their devices don’t contain any of the infected-apps and suggested that they update their phones to make sure that they are running the most up-to-date software with the latest security patches. “The public is being asked to look out for malicious apps. If they are downloaded, hackers can steal your personal data or take control of your phones,” said the minister.
He also warned those using any type of connected device to be on the lookout for emails and texts that appear to be legitimate messages, but are not legitimate. These fake messages come from the attackers who are tricking you by asking you to tap a link that could activate the malware loaded inside a malicious app. This is called “phishing,” and the messages will often appear to come from your bank, your wireless carrier, and even companies you have dealt with in the past.
Even if all 203 apps have been removed from the Play Store and the App Store, if they have been installed on your phone they can still cause problems for you and your bank account unless you uninstall them now. These apps have been known to steal money from bank accounts, obtain personal data stored on affected mobile devices, and can even give attackers complete control over victims’ phones and tablets.
Follow these guidelines to protect yourself from installing a malicious app in the future
We’ve included the list of all 203 apps that were used by the attackers. Again, make sure that you do not have them downloaded on your iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. If you want to lessen your risk of installing one of these apps, check the comment section for all apps you install developed by someone or some company that you never heard of before. Look for red flags in the comments. After all, these comments come from people who have installed the app and are warning you to stay away.
If you’ve already installed an app and start experiencing things like rapid battery drain or notice that your device has slowed down noticeably, delete that app immediately. Sure, not all malware is designed to steal your money. Other infected apps are made to use your device like an ATM by running ads in the background some of which you might never see.
