The "Ghost Hand" scam is a risk for individuals and businesses.

In recent years, digital scams have become increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Following the WhatsApp scam and the Pix scam, a new threat has emerged on the horizon: the Ghost Hand scam. This type of fraud has raised concerns among both individuals and businesses due to its ability to cause significant financial losses within minutes.

But what exactly is the Ghost Hand scam, how does it work, and, most importantly, how can you protect yourself? Let’s explore these points below.

What is the Ghost Hand scam and how does it work?

The Ghost Hand scam gets its name because victims feel as though an “invisible hand” is controlling their phone.

But you might be wondering: how does the Ghost Hand scam actually work?

In practice, criminals gain remote access to a victim’s device, taking full control of the phone and, consequently, banking apps and other sensitive information.

The scam starts with a message sent via SMS, email, or WhatsApp. The sender impersonates a bank employee and claims that the victim needs to update their banking app. The message includes a link which, when clicked, installs a virus on the phone. This malware allows criminals to access the device remotely without the victim noticing.

Once inside the phone, scammers can access banking apps, make transfers, pay bills, and even apply for loans. All of this happens in real time while the victim watches helplessly as transactions are carried out in their account.

Read also: Data Dashboard: The Origin of Digital Crimes in Brazil

Why is this scam a risk for individuals and businesses?

The Ghost Hand scam is particularly dangerous due to its silent and efficient nature. Unlike other scams that rely on social engineering to trick victims into providing passwords or codes, here, criminals take direct control of the device. This means that even if a victim is cautious with their passwords, the scam can still succeed if their phone is infected.

For individuals, the financial loss can be devastating. Imagine watching your savings being transferred to unknown accounts or discovering that a loan has been taken out in your name without your consent.

For businesses, the risks are even greater. A single compromised device can grant access to corporate accounts, internal systems, and confidential information, putting both financial assets and company reputation at risk.

Moreover, the violation of privacy and the difficulty in reversing the damage caused by the scam can have a significant emotional impact on victims.

How can your company protect itself from this type of digital fraud?

Uninformed employees can become easy targets, endangering not only their personal data but also sensitive corporate information. That’s why it’s essential for companies to implement preventive measures and educate their employees on how to stay safe.

Here are some essential practices organizations should follow:

1. Educate employees about digital scams

The first line of defense against the Ghost Hand scam is awareness. Conduct regular training sessions to teach employees how to identify suspicious messages, such as emails, SMS, or WhatsApp texts requesting them to click on links or install apps. Make it clear that banks and legitimate institutions never ask for updates via external links.

Practical tip: Create phishing simulations to test employees' awareness and reinforce the importance of not clicking on unknown links or downloading suspicious files.

2. Implement clear security policies

Establish clear guidelines on the use of mobile devices, such as:

• Prohibiting the use of public Wi-Fi networks to access internal systems or banking apps.
• Restricting the installation of unauthorized apps on company devices.
• Instructing employees never to store passwords in notes, emails, or messages.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, preventing criminals from accessing corporate accounts even if they steal passwords. Ensure that all company systems and applications have MFA enabled.

Example: When logging into an internal system, employees should enter a password and confirm access via a code sent to their phone, a token, or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint recognition).

4. Keep systems and devices updated

Outdated devices are easy targets for criminals. Ensure that all company phones, computers, and software are always up to date, including operating systems, banking apps, and security tools.

Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

5. Provide security tools

Equip corporate devices with reliable antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools can detect and block threats before they cause damage. Additionally, consider using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to secure internet connections, especially for remote workers.

6. Monitor and alert for suspicious activity

Implement monitoring systems to detect unusual activity in corporate accounts or company devices. Real-time notifications about banking transactions or login attempts can help identify scams quickly.

Example: If an employee receives a notification about an unauthorized login attempt on their corporate banking account, they should immediately report it to the IT department.

7. Establish an incident response protocol

Even with all precautions, it is possible that an employee might fall victim to the Ghost Hand scam. That’s why having a clear action plan is crucial:

• Step 1: Turn off the compromised device to stop remote access.
• Step 2: Immediately notify the IT department and the corporate bank.
• Step 3: File a police report with a specialized cybercrime unit.
• Step 4: Restore the device to factory settings to remove any malware.

8. Promote a culture of security

Information security should not be the sole responsibility of the IT department. Encourage all employees to adopt a proactive approach by reporting suspicious activities and sharing knowledge about digital scams. Recognize and reward secure practices to strengthen this culture.

Read also:

• What are the costs of a security incident?

These tips also apply to individuals!

The security practices that protect businesses from the Ghost Hand scam also work for individuals.

Be wary of suspicious messages, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts, and keep your devices and apps updated.

Additionally, avoid storing passwords in notes or messages and install a reliable antivirus program.

With these simple measures, you can protect yourself and prevent financial losses.

Digital security is for everyone!

The Ghost Hand scam is yet another example of how criminals are adapting to new technologies to commit fraud. However, with the right information and security practices, it is possible to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.

Remember: prevention is always the best strategy. Stay alert, be skeptical of suspicious messages, and take security measures to safeguard your data and money.

Did you like this content? Share it with friends and colleagues so more people can protect themselves against this and other digital scams.

And if you want to dive even deeper into digital security, explore our social media channels or subscribe to BugBuzz, our monthly newsletter. Security starts with you!