What are fake banking applications?
According to cybersecurity experts, fake banking applications are copies with interfaces and names similar to real applications, designed to steal user data from login information to OTP codes and biometric data.
Some even overcome Google Play or App Store censorship by using tricks such as: downloading a "clean" version, then updating malicious patches; creating an interface that deceives both users and the censorship system; or distributing directly through social networks, fake messages, and advertisements.
How to detect and prevent?
Cybersecurity experts such as Navkar Jain from Plus91Labs Technology Company; Neehar Pathare, CEO of 63SATS Cybertech (a unit specializing in providing cybersecurity solutions and services) and Ankit dev Arpan, Director of Lex Cyber Attorneys (a unit specializing in providing legal services on cyber law) have listed safety ways to avoid mistakenly downloading fake banking applications:
- download from a reliable source: Directly access the official banking website or use the provided QR code.
- Carefully check the application information: Developer name, download number, release date, and user reviews are all important data.
- Don't believe in "new but floating" apps: A newly released app that has millions of downloads could be a fake.
- Carefully review the application's access rights: If you need to access the register, photo library, or read the screen, you should be skeptical.
- Beware of "too good" reviews: Fake applications often have general reviews, repeats, and unusually high scores.
- Absolutely do not install APK files from unclear sources.
- Unblock two-factor authentication (2FA): Increase security when logging in.
If you accidentally install a fake application, what should you do?
Emergency action is necessary:
1. Remove the app and turn off the Internet immediately.
2. Run the virus driver to check the entire device.
3. Change all bank login information and related emails.
4. Report the incident to the bank and the hotline to report cybercrime to the authorities.
5. Consider restoring the original installation if the malware has not been completely removed.
Experts emphasize that the most important thing is still the vigilance of users themselves. As digital banking becomes an increasingly essential part of modern life, being cautious at every click is the first and most important protective layer for your assets and digital identity.
