A new threat is looming over millions of Android smartphone users across the country. I4C—the cyber security arm of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)—has warned users about an advanced Android malware named “Android God Mode”. Once installed on a user’s phone, this malware gains almost complete control over the device. It is capable of reading your messages and emails. Additionally, it can track the phone’s location, monitor banking apps, and track financial transactions, among many other activities.
government warning
Cautioning the public about this malware, the Home Ministry said that it can gain unauthorized control over the device by misusing its Accessibility Permissions. I4C issued a warning about this new malware through its official Apart from this, it has also suggested some measures for the public to protect themselves from this threat. Through its The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) has found that these malicious apps masquerade as genuine apps—like SBI YONO, RTO Challan, Jeevan Pramaan Patra, and various customer support apps—to trick users into installing them. By abusing accessibility permissions, these apps gain almost complete control over the device, allowing them to steal financial and personal data without the user’s knowledge.
Citizens are advised to:
Install apps only from the official Google Play Store or other trusted sources.
Avoid giving Accessibility permissions to any unknown or suspicious app.
Be careful with apps you get via links, WhatsApp, or APK files.
If any suspicious app is found, delete it immediately and check the permissions given to your installed apps.
Report any cyber crime incident immediately by calling 1930 or filing a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in. Citizens are urged to remain cautious and follow the official advisories issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.