One of the latest threats to Brazilians in 2023 is the Pix virus, capable of emptying bank accounts in seconds. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself against this attack.
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PIX Virus: The Invisible Danger of Brats
The virus, known as Brats, infiltrates devices through suspicious links, often sent via email or messaging apps. In fact, it tricks the user into downloading a file, triggering the infection by requesting access to the device's accessibility functions.
With such permission granted, the virus gains full access to the device, then waits patiently for the moment when the user accesses the banking apps to act. In short, while this wait occurs, it certainly compromises the user's security.
Crucial Protection Tips
Kapersky cybersecurity analyst Fabio Marenghi warns against criminals' strategy of forcing clicks with fake offers or intriguing news. The best defense, he says, is to be suspicious of these messages and notifications.
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To avoid falling for this scam, here are five essential steps:
- Avoid clicking on unknown links.
- Do not grant permissions to unsafe apps on your phone.
- Be wary of easy prizes or sweepstakes.
- Do not click on links from unknown numbers on WhatsApp.
- Be aware of notifications that ask for access to your device's accessibility.
Antivirus Protection
In addition to these precautions, using antivirus software for cell phones is an effective measure. Despite being less common than antivirus software for computers, they are equally valuable for the security of your device.
Experts warn about the importance of protecting our cell phones, which often store more personal information than other devices. However, downloading an official antivirus from the app store, whether for Android or iOS, is a fundamental step. While there are several free options available, it is certainly wise to invest in this protection.
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