New Tech Can Spot Hidden Malware on Your Android Phone

Researchers have build a new tool to spot malware exploiting phone accessibility features and help users remove it.

Accessibility features like screen readers and voice-to-text have made smartphones more usable for people with disabilities. However, these same tools can also be exploited by hackers.

Malware can take advantage of accessibility services to read on-screen content and perform unauthorized actions, such as tapping buttons, approving transactions, or even blocking attempts to remove the malware. In some cases, this can lead to severe consequences, like unauthorized transfers from banking apps or persistent infections that are difficult to uninstall.

Often, the malware is installed when a user clicks on a phishing link or unknowingly downloads a malicious app, even from seemingly legitimate sources like the Google Play Store. Once installed, it can compromise sensitive apps, including cryptocurrency wallets and rideshare platforms that store payment information.