A new form of malware on Android phones can steal the login data of 467 apps. ERMAC 2.0 is the name of the threat and it focuses on banking applications, among other things. We explain how to recognize this malware form.
ERMAC 2.0 malware
Security researchers from ESET and Cyble recently discovered the ERMAC 2.0 malware for Android. It tries to obtain the credentials of banking apps and other applications and in total it targets 467 apps. On the dark web, malicious parties can also hire the malware for around 4,650 euros per month, it writes BleepingComputer†
Victims come into contact with ERMAC 2.0 through a fake application that they download via a web page. The malware can pose as many well-known apps and the web page with the download link is often distributed via social media.
Then, once you install the app, it grants itself 43 different permissions on your smartphone, effectively taking full control. Whenever the user subsequently opens an app on his phone, he actually sees a fake version of that app in question. If he enters his login details there to gain access, the data ends up in the hands of malicious parties. This can have serious consequences in the case of banking apps, among other things.
You can do this
ERMAC 2.0 is also dangerous for the most recent Android phones, namely devices with Android 11 and 12. The best way to protect yourself against it is by not installing apps outside the Play Store. ERMAC 2.0 is a more dangerous version of the ERMAC malware discovered as early as 2021. The new version can steal the credentials of even more apps.
Recently it also became known that there is a new form of fraud with WhatsApp. On the basis of a phone call, malicious parties try to take over your account. Are you concerned about possible malware on your phone? Here are 5 signs of malware.
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– Thanks for information from Androidworld. Source