Banking Trojans: How Hackers Can Drain Your Mobile Accounts

Today, your entire life runs through your smartphone: you work, pay bills, check emails, store personal photos, and even manage your finances. Naturally, this makes your device one of the most attractive targets for cybercriminals.

One of the biggest threats you face are banking trojans—a type of malware designed to steal money from your bank accounts and crypto wallets. These malicious programs have evolved significantly over the years, refining their methods to infiltrate your device and operate undetected.

At TecnetOne, we break down how these trojans work, what cybercriminals are after, how to protect yourself, and what businesses should do to stay secure.

How Do Banking Trojans Work?

Take Anatsa, one of the most recent and dangerous banking trojans, as an example. It highlights just how sophisticated these attacks have become:

1. They hide in seemingly legit apps: like PDF readers, file cleaners, QR tools, or even games—sometimes available on Google Play, other times from unofficial sources.

2. They activate post-installation: to evade security checks, the trojan isn't downloaded immediately. The decoy app connects to a command-and-control server and fetches the malware as a fake update.

3. They use advanced evasion tactics: some are packaged in malformed APKs that bypass Google's and antivirus scanners.

4. They hijack critical permissions: once installed, they can overlay fake login screens, steal credentials, read SMS, intercept notifications, take screenshots, and bypass multifactor authentication.

With this access, attackers can initiate bank transfers or drain your crypto wallets within minutes.

Learn more: PipeMagic: The Trojan Exploiting Windows Flaws to Deploy Ransomware

What Do Hackers Want from Banking Trojans?

The goal is simple: money.

But their approach is anything but random. Cybercriminals have fine-tuned their strategies to:

1. Trick even cautious users into installing malicious apps

2. Defeat advanced security mechanisms in Android and iOS

3. Bypass multifactor authentication

4. Monetize quickly and reinvest profits to improve their tools

Each new variant becomes stealthier and more persistent.

Do They Target Crypto Wallets Too?

Yes. Originally focused on traditional bank accounts, many modern trojans now target cryptocurrency wallets.

For instance, Crocodilus exploits Android’s accessibility permissions to capture sensitive data and take control of wallets. The goal remains the same: drain assets and transfer them to attacker-controlled accounts.

As crypto adoption grows, so does this threat.

Signs Your Phone May Be Infected

While banking trojans are designed to be stealthy, there are red flags to watch for:

1. Unexplained lag or freezing

2. Rapid battery and data drain

3. Overheating during basic tasks

4. Unknown apps with suspicious permissions (camera, mic, location)

5. Unexpected system setting changes or pop-ups

Basic Tips to Protect Yourself

Here are simple but powerful habits to minimize your risk:

1. Only install apps from official stores (Google Play, App Store)

2. Always check app reviews, downloads, and developer reputation

3. Keep your OS and apps updated

4. Enable Google Play Protect or integrated security tools

5. Audit app permissions regularly

6. Avoid suspicious links in emails, SMS, or WhatsApp

What Should Companies Do?

For individuals, banking trojans are bad. For companies, they can be disastrous.

Imagine the CFO’s phone being compromised—attackers could authorize high-value payments or transfers.

At TecnetOne, we recommend that companies:

1. Train employees on mobile threats and social engineering

2. Audit and monitor mobile device security regularly

3. Deploy mobile threat detection and response tools (MDR/EDR)

4. Create clear policies around app usage and permissions

5. Monitor financial apps on corporate devices

What Is Google Doing About It?

Google has stepped up its efforts to fight banking malware with:

1. MASA (Mobile Application Security Assessment): App audits based on OWASP standards

2. Google Play Protect: Scans apps and alerts users of malicious behavior

3. Developer Verification: Starting 2027, all developers must be verified to publish apps, making it harder for criminals to remain anonymous

Also of interest: New Version of the Triada Malware

Conclusion: Your Mobile Finances Are at Risk

Banking trojans are a real and evolving threat. They endanger not only your bank accounts but also your crypto wallets and any financial app on your phone.

The key is prevention: staying alert, keeping your devices updated, and adopting secure habits.

And if you run a business, the stakes are even higher. Protecting corporate devices means protecting your money, your reputation, and your business continuity.

At TecnetOne, we believe that the best defense is prevention—combined with advanced cybersecurity solutions. Because ultimately, this isn’t just about technology. It’s about your peace of mind and your future.