New Android virus hidden in apps can empty bank wallets; uninstall these apps as soon as possible

Android users, beware, a new Trojan hidden in various apps available on Google Play can steal your money using sophisticated techniques.

What is the GriftHorse Trojan for Android?

Cyber ​​security firm Zimperium has claimed that the terrible virus, identified as the GriftHorse Android Trojan, has so far infected 10 million active Android devices. Malware has been detected in more than 200 applications in at least 70 different countries.

The sad truth is that the GriftHorse Android Trojan has been infecting and taking advantage of Android users since November 2019. But how does it victimize unsuspecting users?

The Trojan tricks people into signing up for a recurring payment, which, if left unchecked, could not only steal money, but also empty wallets and banking apps. Google has confirmed that the infected apps have been removed from the Play Store, but you don’t know. if third-party platforms have done the same.

Unfortunately, even though the apps have been removed from the Play Store, the virus can still infect the devices of users who have already downloaded them.

“These malicious Android apps appear harmless when they look at the store description and requested permissions, but that false sense of trust changes when users are charged a month for the premium service they’ve subscribed to without their knowledge and consent. “Zimperium revealed on Wednesday.

After infection, the victim is bombarded with on-screen alerts informing them that they have won a prize and must claim it immediately. These pop-ups reappear no less than five times per hour until the app user successfully accepts the offer, ”the cybersecurity company revealed.

After accepting the invitation, “the malware redirects the victim to a geospecific webpage where they are asked to submit their phone numbers for verification. But in reality, they pass their phone number to a premium SMS service that would start to charge your phone bill for more than € 30 ($ 34.74) per month, ”the blog post revealed.

People won’t immediately notice the impact of the theft and will sometimes continue for months before being detected.

Users should immediately uninstall these apps: