The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and app has issued a warning for all android smartphone users. The advisory is against a malicious Android software known as “irctcconnect.apk” which is being spread through commonly used messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The installation of this malicious APK file is warned against as it is malicious and would infect your device.
The IRCTC warning for Android smartphone users advises its users to be cautious when replying to such unidentified communications as there is a high risk of them being tampered with. According to the report, the hackers and other criminals who pose as the IRCTC are attempting to steal sensitive information such as banking credentials and credit/debit information. A phishing website (https://irctc.creditmobile.site) hosting the malicious APK file is also being shared through several instant messaging services such as the aforementioned WhatsApp and Telegram.
The IRCTC warning for Android users informs that criminals are sending phishing emails in bulk. Their objective is for customers to click on links that will lead them to malicious Android software that steals information while posing as IRCTC.
Included in the IRCTC warning for Android users is a reminder that the IRCTC would never call their customers for their PIN, OTP, passwords, Credit/Debit card details, Net banking password or UPI details.
In light of the IRCTC warning for Android users one must remember that the IRCTC app is used by potentially thousands of people daily. Thus, one must practise extra caution in order to avoid being scammed.
Included in the IRCTC warning for Android users is a reminder that the IRCTC would never call their customers for their PIN, OTP, password, Credit/Debit card details, Net banking password or UPI details.
In light of the IRCTC warning for android users, one must remeber that the IRCTC app is used by a large number of people in India daily and so it is easy to be careless about the sharing of one’s confidential information.
With the warning from IRCTC, it is strongly advised that Android users refrain from downloading and using the malicious APK file and similar harmful softwares. Accordingly, you will be able to protect yourself from potential scammers while safeguarding your personal information. Always use the official ‘IRCTC Rail Connect’ app, available on iOS and Android, for a trustworthy purchasing experience of train tickets.
