Android smartphones: NFC-based attacks surge by 188pc: Kaspersky

ISLAMABAD: A leading cybersecurity company Monday disclosed that the number of NFC-based attacks on Android smartphones aimed at stealing victims’ funds have surged by 188 percent in the first four months of 2026, against same period of 2025.

According to the report of the company issued on Monday, from January to April 2026, Kaspersky cybersecurity solutions blocked 35,600 attacks of different Android malware families that use NFC techniques, including SuperCard X, PhantomCard, NGate, as well as other malicious modifications of NFCGate tool, compared to over 12,300 attacks blocked during the first four months in 2025.

Commenting on the trend, cybersecurity expert and ITSOLERA founder Dr Hafeez Ur Rehman said that as digital financial services and contactless payments become increasingly common, particularly in Pakistan, it is essential for users to remain cautious when installing applications or responding to unexpected requests involving their banking information. Continued awareness, responsible digital practices, and close collaboration among financial institutions, technology providers, regulators, and cybersecurity experts will be critical to strengthening resilience against emerging mobile threats and protecting consumers from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, he added.

To protect against the near-field communication (NFC) relay attacks and other mobile threats, Kaspersky recommended avoid installing apps from unofficial sources. This includes links sent via messaging apps, social media, SMS, or recommended during a phone call. Never follow instructions from strangers at an ATM — no matter who they claim to be. Use a comprehensive security solution on your Android smartphones to prevent visits to phishing sites from web browsers and messengers, and stop malware installation, it added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026