TechnologyAndroidA new alert has been issued to Android users after the discovery of fake apps that can steal personal data including banking details.08:20, 18 Jun 2026Anyone with an Android phone in their pocket would be wise to heed the latest alert from security experts. It seems hackers are back and once again trying to trick consumers into installing popular applications that come laced with the terrifying Rokarolla bug. Once installed, this highly dangerous malware can spy on devices and even steal sensitive data such as banking logins.It even has the capability to enable a fake lock screen that overlays over the real thing to then capture PIN numbers, security patterns, or passwords.So, how are people getting infected by Rokarolla?‌This latest campaign, first spotted by the team at Zimperium, exploits Android's ability to sideload apps onto devices. This is a much-loved feature of Android, which is a more open operating system than Apple's iOS.When someone searches for apps like TikTok or Chrome, they may be redirected to rogue websites that display official-looking software.If fooled, a fake version of the application is downloaded, along with Rokarolla being added in the background.The apps then ask for a vast number of personal permissions, such as accessing notifications. Because it all looks legitimate, it's easy to click yes.As soon as that mistake is made, cybercriminals can then set about stealing data."Rokarolla targets an expansive ecosystem of over 200 financial, cryptocurrency, and social media applications," Zimperium explained.‌"By employing sophisticated evasion tactics, these threats are specifically engineered to circumvent legacy, signature-based mobile security solutions."The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to only download apps from the official Google Play Store.Sideloading might sound useful but downloading software this way always comes with risks.It's also a good idea to make sure Google Play Protect is switched on, as Google says devices should be protected from this bug if this service is activated.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌GoogleAppleAndroidAppsiOS