Android Users Warned About New Malware That Can Access Bank Account In Seconds

Tech-experts have warned against a powerful hacking tool that could give criminals access to bank accounts in just seconds, and it takes hold whilst the user believes that their phone is turned off.

In truth, the malicious software projects a fake black screen and disables notifications, as well as setting the screen brightness to zero and stopping notification sounds so that no-one is able to tell exactly what is going on under there.

That means that the crooks can get in and do exactly what they want to whilst you’re completely unaware of what is happening to you.

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According to the reports, the malware allows them to act as if they were holding the phone themselves, writing and copying the whole way into your life.

Furthermore, it seems to be capable of monitoring your actions and getting all your PIN numbers and passwords.

As if there wasn’t already enough to be scared of online, right?

It has already been discovered on the dark net by online fraud detectors Threat Fabric, where it can be found by the most nefarious folks out there.

It’s called Octo and – experts say – it’s already out there.

Many people who wish to use this malware get in via a fake web browser or a Google Play store app update that asked for updates to be downloaded.

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There’s an app called Fast Cleaner that was downloaded 50,000 times that was also found to contain the malware.

Luckily, that was removed in February from Google Play.

Octo is in reality a version of a trojan called ExobotCompact that was discovered way back in 2018.

According to Threat Fabric: "ExobotCompact/Octo has dangerous capabilities, powered by inventive distribution schemes including droppers on official Google Play store and malicious landing pages,

"Thus, customers are very likely to fall into installing the malware on their devices, allowing the actors to have remote access to their devices and therefore to their banking accounts."

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So, if you want to steer clear of this sort of thing, it’s worth watching out what you download, as well as making sure your passwords are strong, and never clicking on anything that you’re not certain about.

There will always be threats such as this one to worry about, but as long as you remain mindful to these threats, there’s no reason why people should be able to get your details and get onto your devices.

As ever, talk to your bank if you’re concerned you might have fallen victim.

Topics: World News, Technology, Harvey Weinstein, Phones

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim