How Red Alert 2.0 Trojan Works: Android Malware That Steals Your Banking Login

The coming of internet and online activities made life more easier but I won't forget to highlight the dangers that could potentially emerge from the use of internet. Recently, we have seen an influx of malicious malware and viruses being released to affect the unsuspecting populace. One of the latest Malware to hit the internet is called "Red Alert 2.0 Trojan"

Red Alert 2.0 Trojan is a new Android malware whose main purpose is to steal your banking and social logins details from your phone. Note that Trojan horse, or Trojan, is any malicious computer programme (in this case a mobile application) that appears harmless but tricks users of its true intent so they download/install and use it. It may provide unauthorised access to your device or steal sensitive information.

HOW RED ALERT 2.0 TROJAN WORKS

The Red Alert 2.0 Trojan is hidden in plain site in apps available on third-party app stores as fake versions of legitimate banking or social networking mobile apps.

For instance, you could run a search for XYZ and find a replica of the app and go on to install. Once you launch the app in your phone, it presents you with similar login details as seen in the official app. Once you proceed to enter your login details, your details will be stolen. They are sent to the hackers over the internet and they now have access to your bank account.

What IS NEW ABOUT RED ALERT 2.0

This trojan has a few new tricks too. It is able to intercept and block incoming verification calls from banks and social networks. It can also intercept verification SMS and harvest info from those text messages for the use of the hackers.

The summary is that once Red Alert is active on your mobile phone, thieves can steal your login details and your money while keeping you unreachable by your bank if they suspect malicious activity going on. Nasty boy. This makes the trojan especially dangerous.

RED ALERT 2.0 TROJAN IS CHEAP!

Another problem that researchers point to is the fact that the trojan is being sold on hacking forums for as low as $500, meaning that it can get in the hands of a lot of bad people easily.

Is Your Smartphone Vulnerable To Red Alert 2.0?
Red Alert 2.0 is said to work on phones running Android version 6.0 (Marshmallow) and earlier.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Researchers RedAlert 2.0 targets over 60 Android banking and social apps. However, the number can increase quickly, considering how cheap the trojan is being sold. Here are the things you can do to keep yourself safe:

✔ Upgrade your smartphone to Android 7 Nougat, if there is an update available for it. This automatically takes you outside of the scope of Red Alert 2.0, as researchers say the trojan works only on smartphones running Android version 6.0 (Marshmallow) and earlier.

✔️ Be careful where you install your Android mobile applications from. The official app market is your best bet.

✔️ When you run a search for a banking or social networking app, always take a closer look at the details. Often there are little tell-tale signs that can give you a tip. Where in doubt, do not install.

✔️ When wanting to install banking and social apps, if possible, use a link provided on your bank’s website. via.

OTHER DANGEROUS MALWARE
✔ Hummingbird
✔️ CopyCat
✔️ WanaCry
✔️ LeakerLocker

Be careful and stay safe.