Hydra

Hydra is an Android banking trojan that has been around since 2019. It disguises itself as legitimate apps like Google Chrome and Google Play Store to trick users into granting permissions. Once installed it overlays the real banking app login pages with fake ones to steal credentials.

Key Insights

Hydra is sneaky. By requesting accessibility permissions it can monitor user interactions and overlay malicious content. So it can capture sensitive info without raising any flags.

Evolution and Features

Since it was discovered Hydra has added keylogging, cookie theft, and even remote access like TeamViewer. These features allow attackers to get deeper access to compromised devices and do unauthorized transactions and data exfiltration.

Global

Hydra’s campaigns have targeted users in Europe mainly in Spain and Germany. By impersonating popular apps and distributing them through 3rd party app stores it has infected a lot of devices in these regions.

Known Variants

Hydra is also known as BianLian, it’s evolution and the addition of new features over time. These variants share the same core functionality but may have different features and targets.

Mitigation Strategies

Don’t download apps from 3rd party sources; use official app stores only.
Update your device’s OS and apps regularly.
Be wary of apps that request too many permissions, especially accessibility services.
Use reputable mobile security to detect and block malware.

Targeted Industries or Sectors

Hydra targets the financial sector, users of banking and cryptocurrency apps. By stealing login credentials it allows attackers to access accounts and do fraudulent transactions.

Associated Threat Actors

While the threat actors behind Hydra are unknown, it’s used by cybercriminal groups that specialize in financial fraud. Its advanced evasion techniques and adaptability makes it a tool of choice for these malicious actors.