Mobile banking consumers in Singapore warned of malware threat.
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Bank customers in Singapore have been warned of a rise in malware infections on Android phones that seek to hijack online passwords and one-time security codes.
Smartphones that have been jailbroken or rooted are particularly susceptible to infection, says the ABS.
Ong-Ang Ai Boon, director of ABS, says that major retail banks in Singapore have seen an increase of mobile banking customers from 1.5 million in 2013 to 2.4 million in 2015.
“ABS would like to remind mobile banking customers that smartphones are as susceptible to malware as desktop computers or laptops,” she says. “Consumers are reminded to download applications only from trusted sources.”
Questions & Answers
Q.What specifically are consumers being warned about regarding their Android phones?
What specifically are consumers being warned about regarding their Android phones?
Consumers are being warned about a rise in malware infections on Android phones that aim to hijack online passwords and one-time security codes. These infections can appear as software updates or as a service for updating WhatsApp.
Q.How does the malware typically trick users into downloading it?
How does the malware typically trick users into downloading it?
The malware often appears as a pop-up advertisement encouraging users to tap it and download a 'new' version of WhatsApp to avoid losing access. It then prompts for confidential information, such as credit card details.
Q.Which types of smartphones are most vulnerable to these infections?
Which types of smartphones are most vulnerable to these infections?
Smartphones that have been jailbroken or rooted are particularly susceptible to this type of malware infection. The ABS advises consumers to only download applications from trusted sources to avoid risks.
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