On March 30, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs issued a critical alert regarding a sophisticated Android malware known as ‘Android God Mode’. The Android God Mode’ advisory was released to caution citizens about the rising threat of cybercrime, specifically targeting Android users in India.
The malware exploits accessibility permissions to gain unauthorized control over devices, posing a significant risk to personal and financial data. According to the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit, these malicious applications often impersonate legitimate banking, government, and utility services, such as SBI YONO and RTO Challan apps.
Once installed, these counterfeit apps misuse accessibility permissions to take control of the device, enabling the theft of sensitive information without user awareness. The Ministry of Home Affairs has strongly advised users to download applications only from trusted sources like the official Google Play Store and to avoid granting accessibility permissions to unknown apps.
In response to these threats, the ministry has provided a helpline for reporting cyber fraud and a dedicated website for lodging complaints. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity by calling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with further advisories expected as new threats emerge.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 31, 2026
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