APK Files Trigger Security Threat Across Telangana

Fraud Links Spread by Cybercriminals via WhatsApp Groups

The cybercrooks of Telangana have begun misusing the APK files to target the users. On Sunday, a message received in several WhatsApp groups mentioned that it was from Team SBI. It said that because the bank account's Aadhaar and KYC updates were incomplete, it would be blocked that very night. The users should click a link and upload their details, it said.

Fearing loss of access to their accounts, several SBI customers clicked on the link. No sooner was the link opened than the control of their phone passed on to the cyber criminals. Automatically, the same fraudulent message started spreading to the other WhatsApp groups on the affected phone. This created a chain reaction, and the message reached thousands of users in groups with government officials, media personnel, students, friends, and so on. Users began to get anxious since their phones' data could reach cyber criminals. Many victims approached the local police and the 1930 helpline.

Immediate Actions to Reduce Risk

If you have installed an APK file by mistake, proceed with the following:

• Turn off mobile data. Open settings on your phone, then go to the Apps section and uninstall the APK app.
• Run a full device scan using any reputable antivirus application.
• Reset passwords for banking applications, social media, and e-mail.
• Check messages, call logs, bank transactions, and email login history for suspicious activities.
• If the malware app will not uninstall, restart the phone in Safe Mode and remove it.
• If the suspicious activity persists, then back up your data and factory reset the device.
• If you think you have been scammed, freeze your bank account and call 1930 to report the incident.