Screen overlay attacks are a significant cybersecurity threat that has evolved from targeting web applications to also affecting mobile apps. These attacks pose a severe risk to data privacy, potentially leading to data theft, financial loss, and legal repercussions.

1. How frequent are overlay attacks?

Overlay attacks are certainly not a new phenomenon but have become increasingly sophisticated; they now target mobile applications, extending their reach and impact. Various industry reports indicate that overlay attacks account for a good portion of all attacks detected.

2. Why are overlay attacks proliferating?

They are becoming more and more easily accessible: the malicious plugins facilitating these attacks can be bought cheaply on the dark web, making it easy for attackers to exploit security breaches.

3. Which industries are being targeted?

The banking and financial services sector, healthcare, and e-commerce are particularly vulnerable to this kind of attack. The main reason for this attraction resides in one word: money. They either need to get their (virtual) hands on your money or steal your data to sell it to the highest bidder, and healthcare data is extremely valuable.

4. What are the consequences of overlay attacks?

Depending on the company and the attack, the consequences may vary. One that is sure to stay the same, though, is the damage done to the company’s reputation. Failing to protect customers is not a good look, and the loss of trust from said customer can result in revenue loss and legal action. There are also serious moral implications when it comes to data privacy. People are entrusting you with their data and expect to be protected.

5. How does an overlay attack work?

It’s a very simple process: someone downloads a seemingly non-threatening app on their phone. The malware then activates when a target app (such as a banking app) is launched. That’s when the overlay comes in: an overlay screen mimicking the target app interface appears, making the users think they’re entering credentials in their app. In the meantime, those credentials are being sent to the legitimate app as well as the attacker.

6. What kind of data is at risk with overlay attacks?

It depends on the kind of app they are targeting, but they are mainly after the following:

  • Login credentials
  • Two-factor authentication codes
  • Personal identifiable information
  • Account details and transaction information
  • Healthcare data

7. How do you protect your app from overlay attacks?

Introducing Verimatrix XTD: a mobile app security solution with dedicated security features to protect you from overlay attacks and much more. Here’s a quick look: 

  • Detection and Response: 
    • Continuous monitoring and detection of overlay attack triggers.
    • Alerts the app owner when an attack is detected.
  • Accessibility Abuse Detection:
    • Specifically for Android, detects malicious use of the Android accessibility API, a common attack vector for overlay exploits.
  • Advanced AI and Machine Learning:
    • Employs sophisticated AI and machine learning techniques to distinguish between genuine and malicious use of the accessibility API, reducing false positives.
  • User Identity Tagging:
    • Links security incidents to individual users, enabling targeted response actions such as suspending affected user accounts, credit cards, or bank accounts.

Overlay attacks represent a critical threat to mobile app security, especially for industries handling sensitive data. Solutions like Verimatrix XTD are essential in detecting, responding to, and mitigating these attacks, protecting both the service providers and their users from severe repercussions. If you would like to talk to one of our experts, you can reach out to us here.