Android users in India are likely being targeted by a malware named DogeRAT, which gains unauthorised access to sensitive data, according to a government security advisory.

What Happened: The malware has been released by a cybercriminal group via Telegram, disguised as legitimate applications such as ChatGPT, Opera Mini browser, premium versions of YouTube and other popular apps, according to a government advisory released by the Controller General of Defence Accounts.

Once installed, DogeRAT allegedly gains unauthorised access to sensitive data including contacts, messages, and banking credentials. It can also send malicious spam messages, make unauthorised payments, modify files, and take photos remotely using the device’s cameras.

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According to a government advisory seen by Benzinga India, users are warned against installing apps from unknown third-party app stores, urging them to stick to Google, Apple, or Windows app stores. It also advises against clicking on emails from unknown senders.

These concerns about DogeRAT were first raised by Indian cybersecurity startup CloudSEK, indicating that the malware aims to target users globally, despite its current focus on India.

Recent attacks have targeted Indian users, including government officials. Warnings have been issued about similar cyber-attack campaigns allegedly launched by China-based threat actors.

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