Cybersecurity experts have warned Android phone users about a highly dangerous malware that poses a severe threat to people's banking accounts, potentially leading to financial disasters and exposing users to extortion traps, according to the British newspaper Daily Express. In an urgent alert for billions of Android users worldwide, experts revealed that the harmful app is called S.O.V.A, first identified last month, and relies on a trojan virus. Users in the United States, the United Kingdom, and across Europe have already been affected by the malware due to the shift towards online banking in recent years.
Hackers are attempting to steal personal information using S.O.V.A through keylogging attacks and notification manipulation, in addition to cookie theft. This could result in the theft of users' banking details and passwords, potentially destroying and damaging phones by giving hackers erroneous commands and gaining control of the device.
Common Mistake Cited
Experts confirm that sometimes users allow websites to store their personal information to avoid repeated logins, a mistake exploited by hackers to access their personal data and breach various online accounts. "Sova" means "owl" in Russian, and experts believe the name was chosen due to the bird's ability to hunt its prey. The program operates by infiltrating and stealing banking accounts through Android devices.
Cybersecurity experts stress that apps should only be downloaded from the Google Store and not from unfamiliar websites, and users should avoid clicking on any links sent in text messages. Hackers typically prey on users through phishing, sending false text messages or phone calls from fake gift and sale sites, exposing individuals to theft. Therefore, cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of not providing any personal information over the phone or opening unsafe links, even if sent by friends.
