If you generally order your train tickets from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app, then we should like to notify you about a recent warning that IRCTC has issued regarding a malicious Android software dubbed “irctcconnect.apk”. IRCTC has asked the users to not install it.
Malicious Software Dubbed as IRCTC Causes Trouble
As per the report, through the medium of popular and most used applications like Whatsapp & Telegram, dangerous software is being spread.
The installation of this apk file comes with a warning that it is malicious and might infect your mobile device.
A warning has also been issued by IRCTC regarding being cautious while replying to communications that could have been tampered with.
As per the report, through this malware, criminals act as IRCTC to steal sensitive information including your UPI and bank account numbers.
Hence, it has been asked by IRCTC to avoid this app at all costs and be on the lookout for any that behave similarly.
IRCTC Asks Citizens to Be Prudent
IRCTC said that “It has come to light that a phishing website (https://irctc.creditmobile.site) hosting a malicious Android software (irctcconnect.apk) is being shared through several IM services, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and others. The APK file for this Android app is harmful and may infect the device it is installed on”.
Phishing emails are sent out by criminals in bulk, in order to convince consumers to click on the links that lead them to malicious Android apps that steal personal information by seeming to be from reputable institutions such as IRCTC.
IRCTC said that “In light of this, we strongly suggest that you refrain from downloading and using this software in order to protect yourself from potential scammers. Always use the official ‘IRCTC Rail Connect’ app, available for free on iOS and Android, to book your train tickets. Customers should know that IRCTC will never ask them over the phone for a personal identification number (PIN), one-time password (OTP), credit card number, bank account number (ABAL), or UPI.”
