Beware of the SOVA trojan Virus/ Mobile Banking Malware
Bank customers who are geographically located in India are being targeted by the SOVA Trojan virus.
This is based on the various mailers being sent by the banks to their customers.
The SOVA virus is a Trojan virus that targets mobile banking users that are using android mobile phones.
Phishing is the No 1 method of attack
People often click on links in their mails or untrusted sites resulting in dangerous scripts being triggered on their devices which help scammers steal the banking details such as usernane and passwords.
Once the scammers get hold of such details it get easy for them to sweep the bank accounts.
Tech makes stealing super easy
Earlier criminals would physically assault their victims in order to rob them however now a days the modus operandi is more sophisticated.
All they need to do is access the victims internet enabled device which is mostly the victims phone.
In a lot of cases they lay a bait or a realistically looking link to click and install malicious software.
This malicious software transmits the users login credentials and thus they can rob the victim sitting in any part of the world.
This makes their job comparatively low risk and there is no risk of being physically caught and they leave little trace behind.
How SOVA trojan virus operates ?
The SOVA trojan virus when present in the users mobile device monitors the device activity.
As the user logins to his bank via his infected device his information such as his login id and password is captured.
Multiple ways of data capture
The malware can record the user data in a number of ways such as
- Record keystrokes
- Steal Cookies
- Take screen shots
- record Video etc
Steps to avoid becoming a victim of SOVA Trojan virus
- Download apps only from official app stores
- Always review the app details even when you are downloading the app from the genuine app store. When the app needs permissions grant only the ones that that essential for the apps operation.
- Install Android updates and patches to keep your android device up to date.
- Always keep an antivirus software of repute installed onto your device.Update your antivirus software periodically and ensure your anti spyware software is installed, functional and up to date.
- Look out for suspicious looking numbers as scammers often try to mask their identity with such numbers and use email to text services to avoid revealing their actual phone numbers to you.
- Double check before clicking any link in emails
- Avoid visiting any site you so not trust. Also do not click on random links on websites.
- Excessive caution when clicking on short URL's . hovering the cursor over the link can reveal the domain and can be a good way to avoid malicious links.
- In case you find any unusual activity in their account report it immediately to the bank via phone banking and follow the instructions provided by the bank.
Final thoughts
Be it crypto or fiat money you need to be extra cautions as tricksters and scammers are always ready to steal from you.
So keep your financial information safe and secure.
In the world of crypto and blockchains and fiat money it is more difficult to make money then to lose it so be extra careful always.