RED ALERT
Delete iPhone apps that steal your info to raid bank account – and Android fan says ‘this happened to me’ too
Plus tips on how to keep your device safe below
SMARTPHONE owners have been warned about trojans that are out to steal their data.
A trojan horse virus is a type of malware that downloads onto a system disguised as a legitimate program.
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Now in a new on Reddit, iPhone and Android owners are raising the alarm about this malicious software infilitrating devices.
The thread links to an article by that warns about an Android trojan called GoldDigger.
After surfacing last year, researchers found that the malware can steal biometric data and bank account information.
Now the trojan has evolved into the GoldPickaxe trojan and it can infect both iOS and Android.
HOW DO TROJANS WORK?
Typically, hackers use social engineering methods to hide the malicious code within software.
Once the software has landed on your device, it can discreetly infiltrate it to steal sensitive information.
This can include personal photos, text messages, emails, login information, and contacts.
Then, it sends this information back to advertisers, data firms, or third parties, like hackers.
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In some instances the malware can help hackers get remote access to your device.
"I found a new trojan, I unlocked my phone and gave it to a malicious actor and told them my password, it gave them full access to my device," one Reddit user shared under the thread.
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"This happened to me when I used a third party app store on Android a few years ago," another shared.
"I tried everything to get the trojan removed. In the end, the only thing that worked was resetting the phone. It was a huge pita but I learned my lesson," they added.
"Everyone is gonna get scammed or tricked at one point in their lives. It’s impossible to know every scam out there," another warned.
HOW TO STAY SAFE
There are a few ways users can keep your device safe from trojans and other malicious software.
For starters, you should never download apps from outside Apple or Google's official app stores.
It's important to also keep your phone's software up to date as updates often include security patches.
Never download a link or open an attachment from an email or text message that seems strange, suspicious, or unfamiliar.
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Lastly, you will want to install an antivirus on your device so it can scan for malware.
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