Several police officers in the city were reportedly victims of a cyber attack on Wednesday (December 25) after an officer unwittingly opened a malicious APK file received through WhatsApp.
An APK (Android Package Kit) file is the standard format for distributing and installing applications on Android devices. While most APK files are secure, bad guys can compromise devices and steal sensitive data.
The attack began when the officer clicked on the file, which immediately accessed the officer’s contact list and forwarded the malware-laden file to others from their phone number. The official, who admitted to acting in haste, realized too late that it was a cyber attack.
Other officers reported similar experiences and immediately alerted their contacts, asking them not to open the file. Malicious APKs are designed to infiltrate systems and access confidential data.
In a media briefing on Tuesday, city police commissioner B Dayanand advised the public to avoid engaging in random phone calls or clicking on suspicious or unknown files.
published – December 25, 2024 at 10:01 am IST