tech
Number of detected smartphone virus infections increased by 70% year-on-year. Users install applications from third-party sources
The number of recorded smartphone virus infections in the first half of 2026 increased by 70% year-on-year. This is reported by the newspaper 'Kommersant' citing data from the cyber threat monitoring system of one of the 'big three' operators.
TL;DR
- Smartphone virus infections rose by 70% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
- A significant factor is users downloading apps from third-party sources due to the unavailability of some foreign applications in official stores.
- Android devices are heavily targeted, with the Mamont banking trojan being prevalent, and an estimated 1.5% of Android devices in Russia may be compromised.
- Cybercriminals have improved SMS interception and remote device control mechanisms, and are disguising malware as popular apps or updates.
- While iOS devices are less vulnerable to mass attacks, attackers have begun developing tools to steal financial information from them.