Smartphones are the most convenient way of getting online and it makes communication, browsing, networking and even banking possible on-the-go. All major banks have their individual apps to help users get all the facilities like transfer, payments and alike. But there’s a reason to worry for all those app users.

More than 232 banking apps have been affected by the deadly malware, which include major Indian banking apps such as HDFC Bank MobileBanking, SBI Anywhere Personal, HDFC Bank MobileBanking LITE, iMobile by ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank GO Mobile+, Abhay by IDBI Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank GO Mobile, IDBI Bank mPassbook, Baroda mPassbook, Union Bank Mobile Banking, and Union Bank Commercial Clients.

The Trojan malware, named ‘Android.banker.A9480’, is designed to steal personal data from users, Quick Heal Security Labs reports. Similar to other banking malware, this one also sneaks into login data, SMS, contact lists and uploads them to a malicious server. Additionally, apart from the banking apps, this Trojan also targets cryptocurrency apps present on a user’s phone.

What makes this Trojan deadly is that it is disguised as a fake Flash Player app, which can fool any unmindful user. Once the app is downloaded on your phone, numerous pop-ups are sent to the user’s phone until administrative privileges have been granted.

Once the app is installed on a smartphone, the icon gets hidden when the user taps on it. The malicious app keeps working in the background while checking for one of the 232 banking apps. Further, if the app finds one of the targeted apps, it sends a fake notification that resembles the banking app. When users open the notification, they get a fake login window that is then used by the attackers to extract confidential data like login ID and password.

The victims won’t even know an SMS has arrived as the malware can silence all device notifications. The malware can process various commands like upload contact list and location, gain accessibility and GPS permission, and more.

Besides banking and cryptocurrency apps, Quick Heal Security Labs has found popular apps like Amazon, eBay, Airbnb, Western Union are more prone to the malware attack.

What can you do to protect yourself?

As dangerous as the malware’s behaviour can be, there are a few tips to keep you safe from bank theft and identity theft.

Do not download apps from third-party stores or from links sent to your via SMS/email.

Always keep ‘Unknown Sources’ disabled. You can find this option under Settings > Security > Unknown sources.

Always verify app permissions before installing any app even from official stores such as Google Play.

Install a reliable mobile security app.

Check for software updates and always keep your phone updated.