The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued an advisory for Indian Android users regarding a sophisticated malware known as 'Android God Mode'.

According to the MHA advisory titled 'Advisory on Android Malware Misusing Accessibility Permission,' the malware misuses accessibility permission and gains unauthorised control of the device.

The MHA advisory was prompted by the rising cybercrime incidents in the country. "In view of rising cybercrime incidents, citizens are cautioned against highly sophisticated Android malware threats known as 'Android God Mode'," the advisory read.

How does malware gains control?

The MHA stated that the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) has observed that there are malicious apps that impersonate banking, government, and utility services, such as SBI YONO, RTO Challan, Digital Life Certificate, and customer support apps. The malware, once in the phone, tricks users into installing the dupes instead of the actual apps.

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Later, the apps misuse accessibility permissions to gain near-total control over the device, thereby putting financial and personal information at risk without the user's knowledge.

What should users do?

In its advisory, the MHA has listed measures to prevent such incidents:

  • Download the applications using trusted sources and the official Google Play Store.
  • Never allow Accessibility permissions to unknown or suspicious apps
  • Be watchful for apps received via links, WhatsApp, or APK files
  • Immediately uninstall and review app permissions if a suspicious app is detected

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The MHA has also released a helpline number for cyber fraud complaints, along with the website. "Report any cyber fraud by calling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in. Citizens are urged to remain alert and follow official advisories issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre," the advisory stated.