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South Wales Guardian
31-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Mobile phone users warned to ‘stop before you tap' on apps
Anti-fraud, cybersecurity and financial organisations are highlighting a 'surge' in Android malware on mobile phones. They want people to be on the lookout for unexpected updates or 'strange' app requests and are urging users to 'stop before you tap'. Malicious apps may mimic legitimate tools to steal banking details. The Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA), UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric have joined forces to highlight the problem. A post shared by National Cyber Security Centre (@cyberhq) In some cases, malicious apps may look like file managers, PDF readers, phone cleaners, or even browsers like Google Chrome, the organisations said. Once installed, they can appear harmless but later activate harmful features through hidden updates. Criminals may use techniques which overlay fake login screens on top of real banking apps to steal login credentials. Deceptive 'busy' or 'waiting' screens may be displayed to mask fraudulent activity. People may also be prevented from exiting the app or restarting their device. They may find that excessive permissions such as 'accessibility' access are requested. People are being urged by the organisations to be vigilant particularly when being prompted to re-authenticate during a banking session. This could also mean an unexpected prompt to install or update Chrome; or being asked to grant unusual permissions, particularly accessibility access. International crime groups are at heart of mobile attacks, the organisations said, adding that users in general should be vigilant. Han Sahin, CEO of ThreatFabric, said: 'Just as we've learned to be cautious with links, we now need the same vigilance when installing apps. This is the logical next step in staying safe, and public awareness is crucial.' Garry Lilburn, operations director at CDA, said: 'This crime highlights the growing prevalence and sophistication of mobile malware. 'As we work to better understand and disrupt this evolving threat, it's crucial that financial consumers stay vigilant, follow recommended security tips, and take a moment to verify what's in front of them – before becoming the next victim of this highly targeted fraud.' Recommended Reading: HMRC scam warning as thousands sent fake winter fuel message New regional energy pricing could increase prices in these areas Martin Lewis shares 'crucial need to know' energy bill rules 1. Only download apps from trusted sources. 2. Check app reviews and developer information before installing. 3. Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. 4. Report suspect apps or activity to your bank immediately. 5. Be wary of apps requesting unnecessary permissions. The above suggestions have been made by the organisations to help mobile users stay safe.
Glasgow Times
29-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Mobile phone users warned to ‘stop before you tap' on apps
Anti-fraud, cybersecurity and financial organisations are highlighting a 'surge' in Android malware on mobile phones. They want people to be on the lookout for unexpected updates or 'strange' app requests and are urging users to 'stop before you tap'. Malicious apps may mimic legitimate tools to steal banking details. The Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA), UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric have joined forces to highlight the problem. How do you know if someone is scamming your phone? In some cases, malicious apps may look like file managers, PDF readers, phone cleaners, or even browsers like Google Chrome, the organisations said. Once installed, they can appear harmless but later activate harmful features through hidden updates. Criminals may use techniques which overlay fake login screens on top of real banking apps to steal login credentials. Deceptive 'busy' or 'waiting' screens may be displayed to mask fraudulent activity. People may also be prevented from exiting the app or restarting their device. They may find that excessive permissions such as 'accessibility' access are requested. People are being urged by the organisations to be vigilant particularly when being prompted to re-authenticate during a banking session. This could also mean an unexpected prompt to install or update Chrome; or being asked to grant unusual permissions, particularly accessibility access. International crime groups are at heart of mobile attacks, the organisations said, adding that users in general should be vigilant. How to avoid scams Han Sahin, CEO of ThreatFabric, said: 'Just as we've learned to be cautious with links, we now need the same vigilance when installing apps. This is the logical next step in staying safe, and public awareness is crucial.' Garry Lilburn, operations director at CDA, said: 'This crime highlights the growing prevalence and sophistication of mobile malware. 'As we work to better understand and disrupt this evolving threat, it's crucial that financial consumers stay vigilant, follow recommended security tips, and take a moment to verify what's in front of them – before becoming the next victim of this highly targeted fraud.' Recommended Reading: Have to stay safe from mobile fraud 1. Only download apps from trusted sources. 2. Check app reviews and developer information before installing. 3. Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. 4. Report suspect apps or activity to your bank immediately. 5. Be wary of apps requesting unnecessary permissions. The above suggestions have been made by the organisations to help mobile users stay safe.
The Independent
29-07-2025
- The Independent
What every mobile phone user should know about malware
Mobile phone users are being urged to exercise caution due to a significant increase in Android malware designed to steal personal and financial information. Malicious apps are often downloaded through deceptive methods, including unexpected updates or requests to install seemingly legitimate tools like file managers or PDF readers. Once installed, these apps can employ sophisticated techniques such as overlaying fake login screens on banking apps or displaying 'busy' messages to mask fraudulent activity. A coalition of anti-fraud, cybersecurity, and finance organisations, including The Cyber Defence Alliance, UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric, has joined forces to address this surge. Users are advised to 'stop before you tap,' be vigilant about unusual permission requests, particularly accessibility access, and only download applications from trusted sources.
Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Daily Record
Mobile phone users issued 'banking app' alert amid security concerns
Although software may seem harmless at first glance, downloading it could install malware on a device Mobile phone users are being urged to 'stop before they tap' amid mounting fears over malicious apps. Whilst some software might appear legitimate initially, downloading it could install malware onto a device, putting personal and financial information at risk. Anti-fraud, cybersecurity, and finance organisations have observed a 'surge' in Android malware and are calling on people to remain alert for unexpected updates or 'strange' app requests. These harmful apps frequently impersonate legitimate tools to steal banking details. The Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA), UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric have joined forces to spotlight the issue. The firms caution that dangerous apps may masquerade as file managers, PDF readers, phone cleaners, or even browsers like Google Chrome in some cases. Garry Lilburn, operations director at CDA, said: "This crime highlights the growing prevalence and sophistication of mobile malware. As we work to better understand and disrupt this evolving threat, it's crucial that financial consumers stay vigilant, follow recommended security tips, and take a moment to verify what's in front of them – before becoming the next victim of this highly targeted fraud." Despite some malicious apps appearing benign initially, they may subsequently activate damaging features through concealed updates. It's cautioned that 'busy' or 'waiting' screens may be employed to deceive phone users whilst hiding fraudulent activity. Further warning signs include being unable to close the app or restart the device. Additionally, the app might ask for excessive permissions, like 'accessibility' access. In response to this threat, mobile users are being urged to exercise extra caution, particularly when encountering unresponsive 'banking apps' or generic-looking applications such as file managers or phone cleaners. Being prompted to re-authenticate during an active session, install suspicious updates, or follow unusual instructions may indicate that something's wrong. Even if an app is legitimate, fraudsters can potentially employ techniques that overlay fake login screens to capture login credentials. The organisations cautioned that numerous international crime groups are behind mobile attacks. Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, commented: "The surge in Android malware is not just a tech issue – it's a growing threat to consumers and to banking services we all rely on. Criminals are evolving their tactics faster than ever, using deception and stealth to bypass traditional security measures. "The best defence is awareness. If something feels off – an unexpected update, a strange app request – stop before you tap and always seek a second opinion. Education and vigilance are our frontline tools in the fight against fraud." Meanwhile, Han Sahin, CEO of ThreatFabric, said: "Just as we've learned to be cautious with links, we now need the same vigilance when installing apps. This is the logical next step in staying safe, and public awareness is crucial." Dianne Doodnath, principal of economic crime at UK Finance, also added: "We encourage customers to stay alert to all threats of fraud, including the potential for criminals to trick people into downloading malware onto phones which could put your personal and finance information at risk of theft. "It's important that you keep your phone security system up-to-date and always download from trusted sources to ensure you're protected from the risk of fraud and data harvesting." How can phone users stay safe? The firms have compiled five essential tips. These include: Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. Report suspect apps or activity to your bank immediately. Be wary of apps requesting unnecessary permissions. Only download apps from trusted sources. Check app reviews and developer information before installing.
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
All mobile phone users issued key warning over 'strange' apps
Although software may seem harmless at first glance, downloading it could install malware on a device Phone owners are being urged to 'stop before they tap' amid growing concerns over malicious apps. While this software might seem normal at first glance, downloading it could put malware on a device, risking personal and financial information. Anti-fraud, cybersecurity and finance bodies have noted a 'surge' in Android malware and are urging people to be vigilant for unexpected updates or 'strange' app requests. These malicious apps often mimic legitimate tools in order to steal banking details. The Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA), UK Finance, Cifas, and ThreatFabric have teamed up to highlight the problem. The organisations warn that in some instances, harmful apps may disguise themselves as file managers, PDF readers, phone cleaners, or even browsers like Google Chrome. Garry Lilburn, operations director at CDA, said: "This crime highlights the growing prevalence and sophistication of mobile malware. As we work to better understand and disrupt this evolving threat, it's crucial that financial consumers stay vigilant, follow recommended security tips, and take a moment to verify what's in front of them – before becoming the next victim of this highly targeted fraud." Although some malicious apps appear harmless at first, they may later activate damaging features through hidden updates. It's warned that 'busy' or 'waiting' screens may be used to mislead phone users while concealing fraudulent activity. Other warning signs include being unable to close the app or restart the device. Additionally, the app might ask for excessive permissions, like 'accessibility' access. In light of this, phone users are urged to take extra precautions, especially when encountering unresponsive 'banking apps' or generic-looking apps such as file managers or phone cleaners. Asking you to re-authenticate during an active session, install strange updates or follow strange prompts may signal that something's amiss. Even if an app is legitimate, fraudsters can potentially use techniques that display fake login screens on top to steal login details. The organisations warned that many international crime groups are at the heart of mobile attacks. Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, commented: "The surge in Android malware is not just a tech issue – it's a growing threat to consumers and to banking services we all rely on. Criminals are evolving their tactics faster than ever, using deception and stealth to bypass traditional security measures. "The best defence is awareness. If something feels off – an unexpected update, a strange app request – stop before you tap and always seek a second opinion. Education and vigilance are our frontline tools in the fight against fraud." Meanwhile, Han Sahin, CEO of ThreatFabric, said: "Just as we've learned to be cautious with links, we now need the same vigilance when installing apps. This is the logical next step in staying safe, and public awareness is crucial." Dianne Doodnath, principal of economic crime at UK Finance, also added: "We encourage customers to stay alert to all threats of fraud, including the potential for criminals to trick people into downloading malware onto phones which could put your personal and finance information at risk of theft. "It's important that you keep your phone security system up-to-date and always download from trusted sources to ensure you're protected from the risk of fraud and data harvesting." How can phone users stay safe? The organisations have compiled five key tips. These include: Only download apps from trusted sources. Check app reviews and developer information before installing. Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. Report suspect apps or activity to your bank immediately. Be wary of apps requesting unnecessary permissions.
