Herodotus Android Banking Malware 2025: Human-Like Trojan Outsmarts Antivirus and Hijacks Phones
A highly-sophisticated banking Trojan named Herodotus has emerged as a serious threat to Android users worldwide. Disguised as what appears to be a legitimate utility, this malware-as-a-service (MaaS) plays a dangerous game: it tricks victims into sideloading an APK outside the official app store, takes over the device, and performs banking operations without the user’s awareness.
How it works
The infection typically begins via a phishing SMS (also known as “smishing”). The message appears to be from a trusted organisation and encourages the user to download an “important update” or “security app” via a link. Clicking the link leads to a dropper APK — a seemingly harmless installer — which when run requests the user’s permission to install external apps. Once the APK is installed, Herodotus gains access to critical system permissions, including Android’s Accessibility Services.
Once it has these elevated permissions, the Trojan can perform the full takeover of the device: it monitors what’s displayed on the screen, intercepts keystrokes or taps, displays fake overlay screens on top of legitimate banking apps (so the user believes they are interacting with their bank), and ultimately steals credentials, intercepts 2FA codes, or triggers transfers while the victim stays logged in.
What makes Herodotus scary
One of its standout features is the way it deliberately mimics human behaviour — for example, it breaks up text input into single characters and adds random delays (ranging from 300 ms to 3 000 ms) between keystrokes. This “typing like a human” approach is designed specifically to slip past behavioural-biometric systems and fraud detection engines that look for machine-like input patterns.
In testing, traditional antivirus solutions failed to flag Herodotus despite the malware having obviously malicious intent. That’s because it bypasses many signature-based detection systems by using novel stealth techniques, side-loading apps, exploiting accessibility features, and spreading via SMS phishing rather than via well-known malicious stores or domains.
Why this matters for you
For Android users, especially those who do mobile banking (which many of us do), this means that simply relying on an installed antivirus app is not enough. Herodotus shows that attackers are evolving: they now automate device-takeover attacks but make them look “natural” to evade detection. According to security researchers, Herodotus is already active in campaigns in Italy and Brazil and is expected to expand to additional regions including the U.S., U.K., Turkey, Poland and others.
Also important: the fact that it’s offered as a MaaS lowers the barrier to entry for cyber-criminals. They don’t need deep coding skills — they rent the tool, pick targets, and deploy. The widespread availability means higher risk for more users.
Signs of compromise & defensive measures
Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
- Unexpected SMS messages prompting you to download an app or “security update”
- Installing apps outside the official store (i.e., sideloading)
- Apps asking for Accessibility permissions without a clear reason
- Banking apps showing strange overlay screens or behaving oddly
- Unfamiliar device behaviour: slow responses, new icons, extra permissions
If you suspect your device may be compromised:
- Immediately remove any recently installed unknown apps
- Revoke Accessibility and other elevated permissions for unusual apps
- Change banking passwords and enable stronger multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Consider a full factory reset of the device if malicious activity persists
- Use layered security: endpoint protection + device integrity checks + user-education on phishing
Final thoughts
The arrival of Herodotus marks a turning point in mobile banking threats: malware that doesn’t just steal credentials, but takes over your device while pretending to be you — complete with “human-like” typing and interaction. For cybersecurity professionals and individual users alike, the message is clear: mobile security must go beyond signatures and known threats — behavioural intelligence, user awareness and proactive device hardening are essential. As the threat actors behind Herodotus expand its reach, staying ahead means thinking like they do.
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