Vietnam saw a big spike in malware and spyware targeting smartphones and other mobile devices in the third quarter of this year, according to data of Vietnamese tech outfit Bkav.

The number of new trojans targeting mobile devices a day was more than 7,000 worldwide, representing 35% of all the smartphone malware and spyware which were detected a day in the period, and growing two times over the same period last year.

Bkav research shows trojans look like ordinary apps, including those of popular games, which make it difficult for smartphone users to notice. Those trojans comb through infected phones and send information to a third party.

Stolen information includes personal data such as text messages, contacts, calls, passwords and bank accounts. Bkav said that such data allowed hackers to steal cash from bank accounts and commit fraudulent activities.

Bkav advises smartphone users to practice prudence when installing new apps, avoid downloading apps from unknown app stores and double-check the credibility of app creators. According to the company, users should install a security program on their phones to automatically check malware and spyware.

SGT