Malware scams are becoming rampant and people need to remain vigilant in this ever-evolving wild-west digitalscape.
MALWARE scams have been on the rise, and they are not stopping anytime soon.
Short for malicious software, malware is a harmful tool used to gain unauthorised access to computer systems and mobile phones without being detected, to steal sensitive information including personal details and money.
Just recently, a family in Singapore had their life savings of S$150,000 wiped out after downloading an app to order and pay for organic eggs, Singapore news site CNA reported.
Closer to home, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), a central hub that coordinates rapid responses for online financial scams, received close to 59,000 calls since its inception in October last year, according to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf at a press conference in November.
Modus operandi
Recent malware scams involved the use of Android Package Kit (.APK) files.
Scammers will exploit unsuspecting users through fake advertisements, tricking them into downloading applications from unofficial platforms for making payments.
But of course, sending the products these customers paid for was never their main intention.
With an Android phone, the scammer would pretend to be a seller and manipulate the user into downloading an.APK file through chat messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Once users fall prey to this ploy and download the.APK file, the scammer gains a sinister foothold.
After the .APK file is downloaded and the victim allows access to the app, scammers can take control of their device.
By telling users to grant extensive permissions to the downloaded app, scammers have now secured complete access to the user's device. They would even employ keylogger software embedded in the malware to discreetly track keystrokes made on the device.
This allows them to extract sensitive data, including login credentials and passwords. Additionally, some malware can capture screenshots, providing scammers with real-time insight into the user's actions.
Beware of malware scams, protect your devices and information by being vigilant of suspicious links. Pictured are examples of how scammers trick users into downloading .APK files to plant malware on your device
Tips to avoid being caught in malware scams
> Official sources only: Download applications exclusively from official app stores to minimise the risk of malware.
> Permissions awareness: Be cautious when granting permissions to apps; avoid providing unnecessary access that might compromise your privacy.
> Regular updates: Keep your device's operating system up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
> Stay informed: Constantly educate yourself about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with family and friends to collectively build a more cyber-aware community.
Stay informed, stay safe
As our daily routines and social interactions increasingly integrate with the online world, especially since the pandemic, so too are the scammers who are taking advantage of this shift to the fullest extent.
In response to the increasing number of scams, it is important to bridge the gap in public awareness and education, keeping the public informed of the modus operandi of scammers in order to fortify users against falling prey to their schemes in the first place.
Stay vigilant and informed about the latest scam tactics by visiting the JanganKenaScam website, where users can check on the latest information on emerging fraud threats, practical tips to protect themselves, and insights into the evolving landscape of online scams.
This dedicated resource is an initiative brought to the public by the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and supported by Bank Negara.
Visit JanganKenaScam to stay updated on the latest scam tactics and ways to protect yourself.
