New Mobile Malware Can Drain Bank Accounts

Internet users are constantly being warned to be careful when downloading software. However, this is a bit difficult when malware is pretending to be official updates. This is exactly what a new variant of a malicious malware can do, which can steal financial information. Using this data, it could drain bank accounts and sell credit card numbers to the highest bidder.

Obviously, being at risk of losing all of one’s savings is a huge source of fear for people. Unfortunately, with online transactions becoming a bigger and bigger part of modern life, the risk also increases. One such case is the malware called “Marcher,” which is posing as an update to Adobe Flash Player, ZDNet reports.

“Marcher” first made the rounds in cyber security circles back in 2013, when it was discovered to have been masquerading as different software products to trick people into installing it. In its most recent iteration, security researchers at Zscaler Threatlabz noticed that it has now latched onto mobile game hype and adult content websites.

Once downloaded, the malware will then prompt users to update their Flash Player. If the users fall for the trick, the device becomes infected and the malicious software can finally take over.

It’s worth noting that the malware can only ever steal information from apps that the users themselves open using their devices, International Business Times reports. So those who aren’t prone to conducting financial transactions using their mobile phones won’t have those particular details stolen even if they are infected.

Even so, the prospect of being infected by a malicious software is not exactly enticing, which makes the situation worth avoiding if possible. Unfortunately, the current version of the malware is particularly adept at evading detections via conventional virus-scanning products. As a result, the users themselves will have to play a vital role in making sure that they don’t become victims through vigilance.