"Banking Trojans Target Financial Information"...56% Surge in Attacks Last Year

"Protection with Security Software Is Essential"

Last year, there was an increase in banking Trojan attacks targeting financial information on Android smartphones.

Mobile Malware Evolution Report. Kaspersky.

According to the "Mobile Malware Evolution Report" released by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky on May 21, the number of banking Trojan attacks on Android smartphones last year rose by 56% compared to the previous year. The number of newly created Android banking Trojan installation packages also reached 255,090, up 271% year-on-year.

Banking Trojans are malicious software designed to steal personal information used for online banking, electronic payment services, and credit card systems. They are distributed through messenger apps and malicious web pages. The report stated, "These tools are generating significant revenue for cybercriminals," and explained, "Attackers are expected to expand their distribution channels and develop new variants of malware to evade security solutions."

Pre-installed backdoors, which infect newly purchased devices and expose users to risks without their knowledge, are emerging as a new type of attack. These pre-installed backdoors provide control over smartphones and tablets, enabling attackers to compromise all information on infected devices. The report advised that if a device becomes infected, users should check for firmware updates and use security solutions to verify the safety of new firmware.

Lee Hyoeun, Managing Director of Kaspersky Korea, said, "Banking Trojans spread through various channels and steal financial information, causing significant damage. Users should raise their security awareness and use security software to protect their mobile devices and financial data."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.