Do you have it on your phone? You can lose all the money

The Zimperium company warns a new threat to smartphone users with Android. It is about malware Godfather, which in the new version becomes almost undetectable, and its effects can be catastrophic – from the theft of login data to cleaning the bank account.

Malicious program

Godfather is a type of malware that uses advanced virtualization technique. This means that when infecting the phone, he launches applications in a specially isolated environment. It works in the background and the user has the impression that he uses original and safe programs. In fact, however, all entered data – logins, passwords, PIN codes or unlocking patterns – are captured by cyber criminals.

Malware can also display a fake lock screen at the appropriate moments, which is to make the victim to provide security data. After getting them, fraudsters are able to remotely run the banking application, log in and carry out unauthorized transactions. In the meantime, the user sees only a black screen or a message about the alleged system update.

Infected files

The biggest threat is the way to distribute this virus. Godfather goes to the phones through infected APK files and applications downloaded from unofficial stores. This means that everyone who installs software outside authorized sources exposes to taking over sensitive financial data.

Specialists call for caution and using only official sources of application. Even the most advanced Android security mechanisms may not detect this type of threat, so it is crucial to avoid unverified files and regularly monitor activity on bank accounts.