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Cybercriminals Target Mobile Banking Users: Kaspersky Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trojan Banker Malware
Cybercriminals are shifting tactics, launching millions of attacks on mobile users in 2024. Kaspersky's latest report highlights a surge in Trojan banker malware. Stay safe with cybersecurity awareness.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-06
Cybercriminals Target Mobile Banking Users: Kaspersky Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Trojan Banker Malware

Cybercriminals have stepped up their tactics in 2024, with mobile banking users becoming prime targets for a rise in Trojan banker malware attacks. Kaspersky’s latest report, “The Mobile Malware Threat Landscape in 2024”, reveals a dramatic surge in attacks, with more than 33.3 million instances of malware and unwanted software detected globally. The report shows that the number of Trojan banker attacks on Android smartphones more than tripled, rising from 420,000 in 2023 to a staggering 1.2 million in 2024.

 

Trojan banker malware, designed to steal banking credentials, e-payment information, and credit card details, is increasingly being distributed via SMS, messaging apps, and malicious web pages. Attackers are now relying on mass malware distribution strategies to target as many users as possible, bypassing the need for unique, customized malware. In many cases, cybercriminals are even using hacked contact accounts to send phishing messages, making scams appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

 

Anton Kivva, a security expert at Kaspersky, explained, "Scammers are focusing on casting a wider net, distributing the same malware to as many victims as possible, rather than creating highly-targeted malware." He stressed the importance of cybersecurity education, noting that no one is immune from these well-crafted scams, and that awareness is key to staying safe.

 

While Trojan banker attacks are the fastest-growing malware type, they represent only 6% of attacked users. The most prevalent category remains Adware, affecting 57% of users, followed by general Trojans (25%) and RiskTools (12%).

 

Kaspersky also revealed that, on average, 2.8 million malware, adware, and unwanted software attacks were launched on mobile devices each month in 2024. Over the year, its products blocked a total of 33.3 million attacks. Despite the rise in Trojan banker attacks, Kaspersky recommends using reliable security software like Kaspersky Premium to detect and block malicious activity in apps.

 

Shahzad Shahid, a policy advocate and IT expert in Pakistan, commented on the growing threat: “The rise in mobile banking malware demands a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity. Awareness and education should be the first line of defense, with the government playing a key role in integrating cybersecurity education into academic curricula and enforcing regulations for digital service providers.”

 

Kaspersky also warned that downloading apps from official stores doesn’t guarantee safety. Users are urged to check app reviews, download numbers, and rely only on official links, in addition to regularly updating security software.

 

As mobile banking becomes increasingly essential, staying informed and vigilant about potential threats is more critical than ever.
Tagged:

CyberSecurity

DigitalSafety

MobileMalware

TrojanBanker
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