TrickMo, the new virus that steals the screen lock code to do these malicious acts How do you know if your phone is infected

TrickMo, the new virus that steals the screen lock code to do these malicious acts How do you know if your phone is infected

Cybercriminals use all sorts of techniques to access data and steal victims’ money. When it comes to collecting banking information, viruses are undoubtedly the most effective option and one of the most difficult for users to detect.

Attackers can take control of the device remotely, from changing the mobile phone’s PIN so you can’t access it, to recording the screen to find out the bank’s access codes. Cybersecurity experts have warned about the arrival of TrickMo, a banking malware that creates a fake phone lock screen to access victims’ data.

These malware hide in fraudulent apps that are installed from third-party platforms, APK files, or emails and SMS messages that contain a downloadable link or document. Once users launch the app on their devices, cybercriminals take control of it.

Cybersecurity firm Cleafy has discovered that the TrickMo banking trojan has been circulating since at least mid-September. The Zimperium team has now confirmed that there are 40 new variants of this malware in circulation with similar capabilities.

TrickMo can record a mobile phone's screen or perform remote actions to bypass 2-step verification code requests, banking apps, or purchases.

The report published by Zimperium confirms that the new version of this virus is capable of stealing the cell phone lock code, and perfectly imitating the cell phone interface.

A fake lock screen is actually a website that collects device access data. When you enter your PIN or unlock pattern, attackers will receive the information they need to access your mobile phone in seconds.

Cybersecurity team Zimperium estimates that the virus has affected at least 13,000 devices worldwide. Most of the victims are in Canada, although an increase has been detected in recent weeks in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

- How do you know if your phone is infected with Trickmo virus?

This type of malware like TrickMo is designed to go unnoticed until it’s too late, but some changes in your mobile’s operation can alert you to the presence of a virus. If your device runs slower, apps take longer to open, or the screen takes longer to respond, your device may be infected with malware.

Changes in battery life are another important sign. Malware performs actions in the background without users noticing, but this silently drains the battery or causes it to overheat due to usage.

If you discover that some apps have permissions granted and you don’t remember activating them, you should also be careful. Cybercriminals may have activated them remotely to access your personal and banking information.

The same thing happens if you find a new app that you didn't download, it could be an excuse for cybercriminals to run malicious functions in the background of your mobile phone.