Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm as hackers increasingly leverage wireless technology to infiltrate Android devices, compromising sensitive user data and financial information. Analysts from Zimperium have identified over 760 malicious applications that exploit Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, specifically targeting payment data during tap-to-pay transactions.
Malicious Apps Disguised as Trusted Institutions
These deceptive applications often masquerade as legitimate banking and government services, cleverly convincing users to set them as their default NFC payment methods. Once these apps gain access, they can intercept critical information such as login credentials, card numbers, expiration dates, and EMV fields. This stolen data is then transmitted to hackers who operate through discreet Telegram channels.
The campaign, which first came to light in April 2024, has since broadened its reach, now affecting users in countries including Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Brazil. Among the impersonated institutions are well-known banks such as Santander, VTB, Tinkoff, Promsvyazbank, Bradesco, and PKO Bank Polski.
Once the data is captured, it is sent from victims’ devices to a network of over 70 command-and-control servers. Here, a sophisticated system of automated Telegram bots manages the operations, processing incoming data, executing commands, and ensuring the seamless flow of the campaign’s activities.
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