Who Online banking on an Android smartphone uses, should now be Security settings check urgently. The number of attacks with so-called banking Trojans has risen sharply. The security company Kaspersky points this out in its “Mobile Threat Report 2025”, about which this is also the case Technology portal “Computer Bild” reports.

According to the report, attacks using banking Trojans on Android devices increased by around 56 percent agree. At the same time, security researchers discovered more than 255,000 new variants of such malware – almost three times as many as in the previous year.

Particularly problematic for users: some smartphones could already be infected when purchased be. According to Kaspersky, experts are increasingly watching so-called backdoors, which are hidden directly in the firmware of devices. In such cases, attackers could gain almost complete control over the smartphone.

This is how banking Trojans empty accounts

Banking Trojans usually reach smartphones via seemingly harmless apps. The programs present themselves roughly as: Discount app or service application out of.

If the malware is installed, it can spy on sensitive data – such as access data Online banking, PINs or TANs. Some Trojans also place invisible input fields on banking apps or websites in order to intercept data directly. Others can read, send or delete SMS. Users often don’t notice anything.

The Trojan horse was recently in Germany.Trojan-Proxy.AndroidOS.Agent.q“, which disguised itself as an app for supermarket discounts.

Why Android is particularly vulnerable

One reason for the increased risk is Update system of many Android devices. Depending on the manufacturer and model, security updates often reach smartphones late or not at all. Attackers can therefore exploit known vulnerabilities for longer.

In addition, many apps allow extensive access to other functions of the smartphone. Many users quickly confirm the relevant permissions during installation without checking them carefully.

Users should observe these safety rules

Anyone who uses online banking on their smartphone can significantly reduce the risk with a few measures:

• Only install apps from official app stores
• Check access rights of apps carefully before installation
• Update operating system and apps regularly
• Do not install unknown APK files
• If possible, use banking apps instead of browsers
• Install a security app or virus scanner

Experts also recommend checking account movements regularly and informing the bank immediately of any unusual debits.