Report: Global Block on Over 33 Million Malware and Adware Attacks on Mobile Devices in 2023.

A new report by the global cybersecurity company Kaspersky has revealed that nearly 33.8 million attacks on mobile devices from malware, adware, and riskware were blocked in 2023, a 50 per cent increase from the previous year. Researchers identified three new dangerous Android malware variants – Tambir, Dwphon, and Gigabud.

According to the report, Tambir is a spyware application targeting users in Turkey, while Dwphon targets cellphones from Chinese OEM manufacturers, primarily focusing on the Russian market. Gigabud, initially focused on stealing banking credentials from users in Southeast Asia, has evolved into a fake loan malware capable of screen recording and bypassing two-factor authentication.

Jornt van der Wiel, senior security researcher at Kaspersky’s GReAT, stated, “Android malware and riskware activity surged in 2023 after two years of relative calm, returning to levels seen in 2021 by the end of the year.” These malicious programmes pose a threat to user privacy and security by collecting sensitive information and bypassing security measures.

Wiel advised users to exercise caution and avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources, emphasizing the importance of reviewing app permissions. He recommended using anti-malware tools to safeguard the integrity of Android devices, as these malware variants rely on permissions granted by the user. The report highlights the need for heightened cybersecurity measures to combat the increasing threat of mobile device attacks.