This ‘security’ and ‘cleaner’ app may wipe out your bank balance – delete now

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Recently we told you about these 35 Android apps loaded with malware that you need to delete from your phone.  The bank account threat is growing from dangerous apps. Let’s now add 2 more apps with Sharkbot malware to this growing list.

What is Sharkbot Malware

Earlier this year we posted about an Android banking malware called Sharkbot.  This fast-spreading malware mainly focuses on initiating money transfers from compromised devices using a technique that bypasses multi-factor authentication security protocols often used by financial institutions.

What does this new Sharkbot Malware do

This malware can also

• add fake screens onto your device that ask you to enter your bank account details
• capture what you type on your screen
• read your text messages
• enact fund transfers

Which apps should you delete

The 2 apps to delete are:

• Mister Phone Cleaner – presumably cleans and frees up space on your phone.  You may recall, we recently named 13 additional “cleaner apps’ for you to remove here.
• Kylhavy Mobile Security – In the latest update, according to FOX IT/NCC Group, this malware now “asks the victim to install the malware as a fake update for the antivirus to stay protected against threats.”

 

If you’ve downloaded these apps, delete them now.

How to protect yourself

1. Always keep your iOS or Android software up to date
2. Keep your browsers up to date
3. If you have one of these apps installed, uninstall them immediately and then remove any malware that may be on your phone using an antivirus app.  My top pick is TotalAV (Limited time deal: $19 your first year (80% off).  More: Best Antivirus Protection in 2022 found here.
4. When considering downloading an app, always check:
   • the number of ratings
   • how many people rated the app
   • the number and quality of the comments
   • whether the source of the app comes from a legitimate company with a legitimate webpage
5. Install good security protection on all of your devices for the best protection. My top pick is TotalAV (Limited time deal: $19 your first year (80% off).  More: Best Antivirus Protection in 2022 found here.

 

Related:

• The 7 signs you have been hacked
• Update Chrome Browser now to prevent hackers from wreaking havoc
• Microsoft phishing scam – Don’t click that email
• Hackers are hijacking bank accounts through this phone attack