Bidhannagar cops warn against remote-access apps

KOLKATA: Bidhannagar police has issued advisories against some free apps which can be easily downloaded on smartphones and are asking users to either delete them at the earliest or use them with caution as they can be manipulated to steal money from bank accounts.
"Be aware of software like Anydesk or Rustdesk. If you download any of these software and share the code, the access of your device may get compromised. All important documents, bank details and passwords may also get shared and can be used by miscreants for wrongful gain. Don't download foreign apps. It calls for security lapse," Bidhannagar police issued the advisory on its Facebook page on Friday.
The RBI has also warned online banking users against these apps saying they steal banking details and money from the consumers' accounts.
The Anydesk app works like a remote access service that allows others to take control of the device and conducts transactions on users' behalf. Reportedly, the app can detect all OTPs, which means it can siphon money from accounts in minutes. According to the RBI alert, all online banking users are at risk, but UPI users are more vulnerable to it.
Cops said fraudsters first ask their targets to download the app - without disclosing it being a screen-sharing application. "Once it is downloaded, it generates a nine-digit code. If a victim tells the code to the fraudster, he inserts the code on his device, which then asks the victim to grant certain permissions similar to those required while using other apps. The hacker then gets access to the data and SMS service on the victim's device. The fraudster can then hack any mobile-banking or payment app," said an officer.