Yamunanagar SP Kamaldeep Goyal has urged landlords and employers to ensure police verification of tenants, domestic workers and employees.
Kamaldeep Goyal urges citizens to avoid untrusted apps and websites, update devices and report online fraud immediately
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal has cautioned citizens against the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly malware-based attacks targeting Android smartphones and applications used for banking, cryptocurrency and e-commerce. He said technological advances had made everyday life easier, but cyber criminals were simultaneously developing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal personal and financial information.
Goyal said smartphone users needed to exercise greater caution as cyber criminals were constantly looking for opportunities to exploit even minor lapses in digital security. A single careless click or installation of an untrusted application, he cautioned, could potentially expose sensitive information stored on a device.
The SP said cases involving fraudulent applications and websites were also becoming a growing concern. According to the advisory issued by the district police, malware is increasingly being used by cyber criminals to gain access to devices and target sensitive information. Banking, cryptocurrency and e-commerce applications can be particularly attractive targets because of the financial information and transaction capabilities they contain.
Goyal said users should understand that a malicious application may not always appear suspicious on the surface. Some sophisticated malware can operate through virtual environments and use techniques such as virtual file systems, virtual process identifiers and intent spoofing to disguise malicious activity.
One of the concerns highlighted by the police is the emergence of more sophisticated malware variants that can go beyond creating a simple fake login screen. Such malware may attempt to obtain broader access to a device and operate in a manner that makes detection difficult for ordinary users.
According to the advisory, once such malware gains access to a smartphone, it can search for banking applications installed on the device. A malicious host application may then be installed or used to operate within a virtual environment. The malware can create or download deceptive versions of applications within that virtual space.
This can create a particularly serious risk for banking customers because a user may believe they are operating a genuine application when they are actually interacting with a fraudulent version running through a malicious environment.
The police have warned that detecting such activity may not always be straightforward for an ordinary smartphone user. After a user logs in, the malware could potentially monitor banking transfers and other activities taking place through the compromised environment.
Goyal said the threat was not limited to traditional banking applications. Cryptocurrency and other financial applications could also be targeted by malicious software, making it important for users to take precautions before downloading applications or granting permissions to unfamiliar software.
The advisory also refers to the newer versions of the malware known as “Godfather”. Police said Android devices have been targeted by such malware and that banking applications can be among the targets. The nature of these attacks can make it difficult for users to recognise that a device or application has been compromised.
The earlier versions of the malware were reported to use fake login screens to deceive users. Such screens could imitate banking or cryptocurrency applications and prompt users to enter usernames and passwords. Once such credentials are entered, they can potentially be exposed to cyber criminals.
The police have therefore urged citizens not to assume that an application is safe simply because it looks similar to a familiar banking or financial application. Users should verify the source of an application before installation and avoid downloading software through links received from unknown persons or suspicious websites.
Goyal said citizens should adopt basic digital-security practices as the first line of defence against malware and other cyber threats. He advised smartphone users to download applications only through trusted platforms such as the Google Play Store and avoid installing applications obtained from third-party websites or unknown sources.
Users have also been advised to review the security settings on their Android devices. The police have specifically recommended checking the “Special App Access” section in the phone’s settings and disabling permission to install applications from unknown sources where it is not required.
The SP said downloading applications from third-party websites could increase the risk of installing malicious software. Citizens should therefore avoid using unofficial websites or links sent through messaging platforms to obtain applications, particularly when the application is related to banking, investment, cryptocurrency or other financial services.
Keeping smartphones updated is another important precaution highlighted by the police. Users have been advised to install the latest available Android updates so that their devices receive security improvements and protection against known vulnerabilities.
Goyal stressed that cyber safety requires continuous vigilance rather than occasional caution. As criminals develop new methods, users also need to update their digital-security habits and remain alert to suspicious applications, websites, links and messages.
He also urged citizens to act immediately if they become victims of any form of online financial fraud. Delaying a complaint can reduce the chances of timely intervention, particularly when money has been transferred electronically and may move rapidly between accounts.
Anyone facing cyber fraud should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and report the incident through the Victims can also approach the nearest cyber police station or the cyber help desk at their local police station for assistance.
The police have advised victims not to delete relevant evidence after a cyber incident. Details of suspicious applications, messages, telephone numbers, transaction records and other available information can be important for investigators. Prompt reporting can also help authorities initiate appropriate action.
The growing dependence on smartphones for banking, payments, shopping and investment has made mobile security increasingly important. A compromised device can potentially expose users to financial losses as well as the misuse of personal information.
The SP urged citizens to be particularly cautious before installing any unfamiliar application and to avoid granting unnecessary permissions. Users should also remain suspicious of applications or links that promise unusually attractive financial benefits or demand urgent action.
The police advisory emphasises that cyber criminals often rely on deception rather than sophisticated technical knowledge on the part of the victim. By creating an application or website that appears genuine, criminals may attempt to persuade users to voluntarily provide access, credentials or sensitive information.
Goyal said awareness was therefore an important component of cybercrime prevention. Citizens who understand common malware techniques are better placed to recognise suspicious behaviour and avoid actions that could compromise their devices.
He reiterated that residents should use trusted application sources, disable installation from unknown sources, keep Android devices updated and immediately report any suspected online fraud.
The Yamunanagar police are also continuing their efforts to create public awareness about cybercrime and encourage residents to adopt safer digital practices. Goyal appealed to citizens to remain cautious while using smartphones and financial applications and not to allow convenience to override basic security precautions.
The police message is clear: users should think carefully before installing an application, clicking an unfamiliar link or entering banking credentials into an unexpected login screen. With malware threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, responsible digital behaviour remains one of the most effective ways for ordinary users to protect their devices, personal information and hard-earned money.
