Slovakia is facing another wave of cyber-attacks that try to obtain sensitive data from Internet users.This time it is an improved version of the fake internet banking scam, which poses an even greater risk than its predecessors..
A new version of a phishing attack is spreading on the Internet, in which fraudsters use fake banking applications.The portal spravy.rtvs.sk draws attention to this problem, according to which fraudsters can very convincingly pretend that they are legitimate banking applications.
Phishing attacks usually start via SMS, email or phone call, where attackers impersonate trusted sources.In these messages, they may ask for additional information or to make an urgent payment through a fake website.ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko warns that fraudulent applications look completely like original banking applications at first glance, including icons and design.
The new type of attack is particularly dangerous because attackers are able to bypass common security warnings that usually warn against the installation of unknown applications.The only effective protection in this case is the vigilance of users.Experts emphasize that banks never ask for login data or payment card numbers via e-mail or SMS.
Michal Reiter from the Touch IT portal reminds us that no matter how elaborate the fraud is, it is always the user himself who takes the final step.’Whatever the deception, man is always the weak link.The individual must take that additional action.Even if I receive ten fraudulent SMS, I have to be the one to click on something and confirm it,’ warns Reiter.
Users should exercise extreme caution and verify any unsolicited communications that request sensitive data or application installation.This is the only way they can avoid risk and protect their finances from fraudsters.
