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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued a critical warning to citizens regarding a sophisticated new scam targeting Android smartphone users. Cybercriminals are employing malicious applications to gain unauthorized access to devices, potentially leading to financial theft and the compromise of personal data.

Sophisticated Deception Tactics

The fraudsters utilize a variety of methods to trick unsuspecting individuals. These include sending phishing links through messaging apps and social media, distributing fake mobile applications, and disguising harmful files as photos, videos, or important documents.

Impersonation and Urgency

Criminals are also impersonating representatives from government agencies, banks, and delivery services. They may contact victims via calls or messages, posing as employees and enticing them to install applications under the guise of participating in promotions or winning prizes.

Consequences of Infection

Once a malicious program is installed, attackers can gain remote control over the device. This can result in the theft of funds from bank accounts, the unauthorized application for online loans, the violation of privacy for personal data and correspondence, and even device lockout for extortion purposes.

Protecting Your Device

Security experts strongly advise against installing applications at the request of third parties. It is crucial never to share SMS verification codes with anyone and to avoid clicking on suspicious links. Additionally, users should carefully review the permissions requested by applications, utilize antivirus software, and enable notifications for all banking transactions.

Recognizing a Compromised Device

Signs that a device may have been compromised include rapid battery drain, overheating, and the appearance of unfamiliar applications. If you suspect your device has been affected, immediately disconnect from the internet, contact your bank, and report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.