This malware can wipe your account. Poland on the list of the most endangered countries

New software targeting Android smartphones is reportedly circulating on the black market for cybercriminals recently. According to the industry, the creator of the program is the author of Ermac, a well-known banking Trojan that helps cybercriminals steal authentication codes from over 467 banking applications.

Hook will take control of your smartphone and wipe your bank account

The new malware was named Hook. It is relatively similar to Ermac, although a bit more developed. It is still a banking Trojan, but much more dangerous than its predecessor. The hook can watch live what is happening on the phone screen, supports WebSocket communication and encrypts the information transmitted to the cybercriminal.

Its most dangerous feature is the ability to completely take control of the victim’s smartphone. The software may include unlock the device, scroll through the content on the display, take screenshots, overlay a fake image on the real one, and also simulate keystrokes. Apparently, he may also have access to the file manager. Moreover, it is quite difficult to detect malware in a smartphone.

A new banking Trojan strikes. Poland on the list of the most endangered countries

Hook is intended to be used as a Trojan to steal money, although there are certainly more possible uses – for example, the theft of personal data. The operator of the program is able to deceive the unsuspecting victim by imposing a fake image, e.g. in a bank application. By obtaining a login and password in this way, and then authorization codes, the hacker is able to take control of the user’s account and his money.

Researchers describe that Hook is able to attack transaction applications of at least several hundred banks and institutions around the world. Unfortunately, Poland is on the list of countries with the largest number of attacked programs. Our country is in fourth place, behind the USA, Spain and Australia.

To avoid accidentally installing this type of software, it is worth installing only verified applications from safe sources.