The Home Office on Monday issued a warning about a sophisticated Android malware known as “Android God Mode” and issued an advisory to citizens.
The malware abuses access permissions to gain unauthorized control of devices, the MHA said. In its release titled ‘Advisory on Android Malware Abuse of Access Permissions’, MHA warned users in view of increasing incidents of cybercrime in the country.
“In light of increasing incidents of cybercrime, citizens are warned of the highly sophisticated Android malware threat known as ‘Android God Mode,’” the warning read.
How does malware abuse users’ devices?
According to the advisory, the National Cyber Crime Threat Analysis Unit (NCTAU) observed that these malicious apps are impersonating banking, government and utility services, such as SBI YONO, RTO Challan, Digital Life Certificate and customer support apps. Through this malware, users are tricked into installing fraudulent applications instead of actual applications.
After installation, these apps abuse Accessibility permissions to gain almost complete control over the device, potentially enabling the theft of sensitive personal and financial information without the user’s knowledge.
How to prevent such misuse?
The Ministry advised citizens not to install applications except from trusted and trustworthy sources such as the official Google Play Store. Apart from this, the government has urged Android users not to allow Accessibility permissions to unknown or suspicious apps.
The ministry also urged users to be careful of any applications that may be received via links, WhatsApp or APK files. “If a suspicious app is detected, remove it immediately and review the app permissions,” MHA said in the advisory.
The Ministry also issued the electronic fraud helpline number and the website through which targets can submit complaints. “Report any cyber fraud by calling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in. Citizens are urged to remain alert and follow official advisories issued by the Home Ministry and Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre,” the advisory said.
