Windows malware targets Android banking apps to steal users money

Mobile banking just became a bit more dangerous - with the revelation that malware could be hiding on your PC waiting to hijack your phone's banking apps the minute you connect it to your PC.

Security researchers at Symantec found the first examples of malware designed to be spread via PCs but engineered to attack banking apps on Android phones.

The trojan malware positions itself inside the Windows operating system in such a way that when a mobile phone is connected via USB, or when an SD card from a phone is inserted, it uses the connection to make the leap from PC to phone.

[Spy-proof your life: the gadgets to keep out Big Brother]

Once installed on the phone - which needs to have debugging mode enabled when connected to the PC in order for the malware to travel across from one device to the other - the malware is designed to seek out banking apps.

Going by the name Android.FakeBank.B , the malware was found to replace Korean banking apps with malicious versions, and intercept SMS messages from the banks that would warn customers of fraud taking place.

The malicious banking apps would be used to steal users account details, and potentially money from their accounts as well.

In some cases, the malware replaces the Google Play app, using the same icon and the name 'Google App Store'.