These days, messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram are becoming bustling with New Year greetings sent everywhere. However, besides the joyful atmosphere, technology experts also issued warnings about a dangerous scam hidden behind the "Happy New Year" messages.
Hackers can take advantage of the user's subjective psychology during holidays to spread malicious files, mainly targeting Android phones.
Victims can receive a New Year's greeting message with attached files or eye-catching images. At first glance, this content is not suspicious, but in fact it could be a malicious APK file.
The trick works quite simply but effectively. The APK file is cleverly disguised as a congratulatory card or Tet greeting video.
When users click on and install, the malware will secretly infiltrate the phone. From there, the attacker can monitor activities, steal personal data, OTP codes, and even seize access to banking applications and e-wallets.
More worryingly, these messages do not just come from strange numbers. Many cases record messages sent from the accounts of relatives, friends or colleagues.
The reason is that their accounts have been taken control of before, making it easy for victims to lose vigilance and trust and click on the attached file.
Network security experts recommend that users absolutely do not open or install any APK files sent via messaging applications, even if the sender is an acquaintance.
On Android phones, it is necessary to turn off the option that allows installing applications from an unidentified source, and only download applications from the official Google Play Store.
For iPhone users, the risk from APK files is lower because the iOS operating system does not allow installing this type of file.
However, users still need to be wary of strange links in messages, because clicking on a malicious link can also lead to personal information loss or financial fraud.
During the New Year, when communication needs increase, alertness is the most important layer of protection. A careless click can turn a New Year's greeting into a serious financial risk.
