Smartphone banking has made life easier, but it has also opened new opportunities for cybercriminals.

Over the past few years, we have seen Android malware steal passwords, intercept OTPs and even take remote control of phones to drain accounts. Some scams focus on fake banking apps, while others rely on phishing messages that trick you into entering sensitive details.

Security researchers have now discovered a new threat that goes a step further. Instead of simply stealing login information, this malware gives thieves the ability to walk up to an ATM and withdraw your money in real time.

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How the NGate malware works

The Polish Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT Polska) discovered a new Android malware called NGate that uses NFC activity to access a victim’s bank account. This malware monitors contactless payment actions on the victim’s phone and forwards all transaction data, including the PIN, directly to a server controlled by attackers. It does not just copy card details. Instead, it waits until the victim taps to pay or performs a verification step, then captures the fresh, one-time authentication codes that modern Visa and Mastercard chips generate.

To pull this off, attackers need to infect the phone first. They typically send phishing messages claiming there is a security problem with the victim’s bank account. These messages often push people to download a fake banking app from a non-official source. Once the victim installs it, the app walks them through fake verification prompts and requests permissions that allow it to read NFC activity. As soon as the victim taps their phone or enters their PIN, the malware captures everything the ATM needs to validate a withdrawal.

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What attackers do with the stolen data at the ATM

The attackers rely on speed. The one-time codes generated during an NFC transaction are valid for only a short period. As soon as the infected phone captures the data, the information is uploaded to the attacker’s server. An accomplice waits near an ATM, holding a device capable of emulating a contactless card. This could be another phone, a smartwatch or custom NFC hardware.

When the data arrives, the accomplice presents the card-emulating device at the ATM. Since the information contains fresh, valid authentication codes and the correct PIN, the machine treats it like a real card. The ATM authorizes the withdrawal because everything appears to match a legitimate transaction. All of this happens without the criminal ever touching the victim’s physical card. Everything depends on timing, planning and getting the victim to unknowingly complete the transaction on their own phone.

7 steps you can take to stay safe from Android NGate malware

As attacks like NGate become more sophisticated, staying safe comes down to a mix of good digital habits and a few simple tools that protect your phone and your financial data.

1) Download apps only from the Play Store

Most malicious banking apps spread through direct links sent in texts or emails. These links lead to APK files hosted on random servers. When you install apps only from the Play Store, you get Google’s built-in security checks. Play Protect regularly scans apps for malware and removes harmful ones from your device. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn’t 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices. Even if attackers send convincing messages, avoid installing anything from outside the official store. If your bank wants you to update an app, you will always find it on the Play Store.

2) Use strong antivirus software

One careless tap on a fake bank alert can hand criminals everything they need. Strong antivirus software can stop most threats before they cause damage. It scans new downloads, blocks unsafe links and alerts you when an app behaves in ways that could expose your financial data. Many threats like NGate rely on fake banking apps, so having real-time scanning turned on gives you an early warning if something suspicious tries to install itself.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

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3) Keep your device and apps updated

Security patches fix vulnerabilities that attackers use to hijack permission settings or read sensitive data. Updates also improve how Android monitors NFC and payment activity. Turn on automatic updates for both the operating system and apps, especially banking and payment apps. A fully updated device closes many of the holes that malware tries to exploit.

4) Use a password manager to avoid phishing traps

Phishing attacks often direct you to fake websites or fake app login pages that look identical to the real thing. A password manager saves your credentials and fills them in only when the website or app is authentic. If it refuses to autofill, it is a clear sign that you are on a fake page. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

5) Turn on two-factor authentication for all financial services

Two-factor authentication gives you a second layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. App-based authenticators are more secure than SMS codes because they cannot be intercepted as easily. For banking apps, enabling 2FA adds friction for attackers trying to perform unauthorized actions. Combined with strong passwords from a password manager, it significantly reduces the chance of account takeover.

6) Ignore suspicious texts, emails and calls

Attackers rely on urgency to trick you. They often claim that your card is blocked, your account is frozen or a payment needs verification. These messages push you to act fast and install a fake app. Always pause and check your bank’s official channels. Contact the bank through verified customer care numbers or the official app. Never click links or open attachments in unsolicited messages, even if they look legitimate.

7) Review app permissions

Most people install apps and forget about them. Over time, unused apps pile up with unnecessary permissions that increase risk. Open your phone’s permission settings and check what each app can access. If a simple tool asks for access to NFC, messages or accessibility features, uninstall it. Attackers exploit these excessive permissions to monitor your activity or capture data without your knowledge.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Cybercriminals are now combining social engineering with the secure hardware features inside modern payment systems. The malware does not break NFC security. Instead, it tricks you into performing a real transaction and steals the one-time codes at that moment. This makes the attack difficult to spot and even harder to reverse once the withdrawal goes through. The best defense is simple awareness. If a bank ever urges you to download an app from outside the Play Store, treat it as an immediate warning sign. Keeping your phone clean is now as important as keeping your physical card safe.

Have you ever downloaded an app from outside the Play Store? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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“There is no neocloud that exists without [Nvidia CEO] Jensen [Huang],” says Saari. That makes neoclouds, in effect, extensions of Nvidia, he says. And none of them make money, so to expand, they must take on debt.

If we look at these as being, metaphorically, Nvidia’s special purpose vehicles, then it doesn’t really matter if the companies are any good or will survive in the long term. Their job is to boost Nvidia’s sales. Even OpenAI, also an Nvidia investment, kind of falls into this category — because the massive data center buildout that OpenAI wants the government to backstop sure involves an awful lot of Nvidia chips.

If you are old enough, or possessed of a certain kind of disposition, you may be thinking, Wait a minute, aren’t you describing Enron? And uh, in some sense, yes! Enron’s whole thing was special purpose vehicles with extremely speculative valuations that were used to take on debt, Luria notes. But Enron lied about what it was doing, and that’s fraud and illegal. (It also got up to other illegal stuff besides.) Nvidia’s relationship with CoreWeave is all happening in plain sight. So are all the relationships with the other neocloud companies. It kind of seems like the tech company version of the GameStop open pump-and-dump.

“It’s not good behavior, and it’s not healthy behavior,” Luria says. “But it’s legal. Any investor can see this. Many are just choosing not to.”

DoorDash confirmed a data breach that exposed personal details for a mix of customers, delivery workers and merchants. The stolen information included names, email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses. The company said it has no evidence of fraud tied to the breach so far, but the event still raises concerns for anyone who uses the service.

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How the DoorDash breach happened

The company traced the incident back to a social engineering attack. An employee fell for a lure that gave hackers access to DoorDash systems. Once the company spotted the breach, it shut down access, launched an investigation and notified law enforcement. DoorDash also directly notified users where required.

Who was affected by the DoorDash breach

DoorDash said the breach impacted a mix of users across its platform. That includes customers, delivery workers and merchants. CyberGuy reached out to DoorDash and a representative provided the following statement to us:

“DoorDash recently identified and shut down a cybersecurity incident in which an unauthorized third party gained access to and took basic contact information for some users whose data is maintained by DoorDash. No sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or other government-issued identification numbers, driver’s license information, or bank or payment card information, was accessed. The information accessed varied by individual and was limited to names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. We have deployed enhanced security measures, implemented additional employee training, and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to support our ongoing investigation. For more information, please visit our Help Center.”

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If you received an alert from the company, take steps to protect your information. If you use the app but did not get a notice, you should still follow the safety tips below because exposed contact information can lead to scams long after a breach.

How to protect yourself after the DoorDash breach

Even though payment data stayed protected, exposed contact details can still open the door to scams. You can lower your risk with a few smart steps that keep your information safer online.

1) Watch for phishing attempts

Scammers move fast after a breach. They often send fake alerts that look like real DoorDash messages. These emails or texts may claim you need to verify your account or update your payment details. Delete any message that asks for personal information or urges you to click a link. When in doubt, go straight to the official app instead of trusting a message.

2) Use a data removal service

Data brokers collect and resell personal details that scammers often exploit. A data removal service works to pull your information off those sites. This limits your exposure and makes it harder for criminals to target you. It is one of the easiest long-term steps you can take to protect your privacy.

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While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

3) Use strong passwords and a password manager

Stronger passwords give you better protection. Create unique passwords for every account so one breach cannot unlock your digital life. A password manager makes this easier by generating secure passwords and storing them safely. It also autofills them, so you spend less time typing.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

4) Turn on multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a simple barrier that blocks most break-in attempts. When you turn it on, you confirm each login with a code or app prompt. This keeps your account safe even if someone learns your password. Most major apps let you enable this setting in the Security section.

5) Use strong antivirus protection

Strong antivirus software shields you from malicious links and downloads. It scans files in real time and warns you when something looks dangerous. This gives you an extra layer of defense against phishing attempts that try to install malware.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

6) Review your account activity

It helps to check your DoorDash account for anything unusual. Look at your order history, saved addresses and payment methods. If something looks off, update your password and contact DoorDash support right away. Quick action can stop a small issue from turning into a bigger problem. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

A breach like this reminds us how quickly cybercriminals can exploit a single mistake. DoorDash moved fast to cut off access and confirm the damage, but exposed contact information can still create risks. Staying alert and using basic security habits can help you avoid trouble.

What concerns you most about companies holding your personal information, and how would you like them to handle incidents like this? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

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