Malware attacks both iPhone and Android phones

iPhone and Android owners have been posting on Reddit in droves warning that a trojan horse virus — a type of malware that downloads to a system disguised as a legitimate program — has infiltrated their devices.

This thread links to a 9to5Mac article warning about an Android trojan called GoldDigger.

After it emerged last year, researchers discovered that the malware could steal biometric data and bank account information.

Now the GoldDigger trojan has evolved into the GoldPickaxe trojan and it can infect both iOS and Android.

Smartphone owners have been warned about a new trojan. Photo: The Sun

Once the GoldPickaxe trojan is installed on your device, it can stealthily infiltrate to steal sensitive information, including personal photos, text messages, emails, login credentials, and contacts.

It then sends your sensitive information to advertisers, data companies, or third parties, such as hackers.

In some cases, malware can give hackers remote access to your device.

"I fell victim to a new trojan. The bad guys knew my password, hacked into my device, and even took control of my device," a user shared about the GoldPickaxe trojan on Reddit.

"This happened to me when I used a third-party app store on Android a few years ago," another said, noting, "I tried everything to remove the trojan. The problem could only be solved when I reinstalled my phone."

Another warned: "Everyone will be scammed or duped at some point in their lives. It's impossible to know every scam out there."

How to keep your phone safe

There are a number of ways users can keep their devices safe from the GoldPickaxe trojan and other malware.

First, you should never download apps from outside of the official Apple or Google app stores.

It's important to keep your phone software up to date because updates often include security patches.

Never download links or open attachments from emails or text messages that seem strange, suspicious, or unfamiliar.

Finally, you should install antivirus software on your device so it can scan for malware.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ma-doc-tan-cong-ca-dien-thoai-iphone-lan-android-196240317180103498.htm