A recent study reveals that approximately one in three Russians has encountered malicious clones of banking apps for smartphones online at least once since 2022. This finding is reported by TASS, citing research conducted by the ITFB Group. The outcome underscores the growing risk landscape for mobile banking consumers in Russia and the broader region as digital payments expand.
Following sanctions that limited access to foreign app ecosystems, many legitimate banking apps disappeared from major platforms such as the App Store and Google Play. In the vacuum created by these removals, counterfeit versions of banking applications surged through multiple distribution channels, according to ITFB Group analysis. The shift highlights how disruption in official app availability can drive users toward unsafe copies and unverified download sources.
In concrete terms, 44% of respondents reported encountering dangerous clone links across social networks, messaging apps, and email. More than one in three Russians, about 35%, said they were contacted by scammers who urged them to install what were described as essential “updates.” Additionally, 12% of participants ran into malware through official markets, while another 9% encountered clones on phishing sites crafted to resemble legitimate banking portals. These figures illustrate a multi-vector threat that targets users both directly and indirectly through trusted channels.
As awareness of these threats rose, many consumers adjusted their behavior. About 42% began keeping only small sums on their bank cards as a precaution, and 9% opted to withdraw their remaining funds entirely after suspecting fraudulent activity. Still, roughly 22% of respondents chose to store all their savings on their cards, illustrating a divide between risk aversion and perceived security in digital wallets.
The ITFB Group conducted the survey from August 18 to September 28, 2023, surveying roughly 2,500 individuals to capture a snapshot of attitudes and experiences across urban and rural areas alike. The results point to a notable shift in how people manage digital financial tools amid evolving sanctions, cybersecurity concerns, and the continuing transition to mobile-first banking practices.
There is ongoing discussion in parliament about the potential replacement of foreign software with domestically developed alternatives. The public policy debate centers on cyber resilience, user convenience, and the readiness of local developers to deliver secure, user-friendly banking apps that meet the needs of residents in Russia and neighboring markets. Analysts in the field stress the importance of robust verification processes, clear guidance for consumers on safe app installation, and stronger controls on app distribution channels to reduce spoofing and impersonation attempts. The broader takeaway is that staying informed and vigilant is essential for anyone using mobile banking services in the current environment, where digital threats continue to evolve rapidly.