Accessibility service

An accessibility service is an Android feature that can read the screen and tap for you, made to help disabled users but often abused by malware.

Accessibility service: An accessibility service is an Android feature that lets an app read what is on the screen and act on it, for example by tapping buttons. It exists to help people with disabilities. Malware misuses it to see your OTPs, approve prompts and stay hidden.

Trojan apps often ask you to switch on accessibility with a friendly reason, such as to enable the cleaner or to finish setting up. Once allowed, the app can watch your banking screen, read codes, click Allow on other permission boxes and even stop you from uninstalling it. Many bank thefts on Android use this trick. Some of these apps then wait for the moment you open your bank app.

Real accessibility apps include screen readers and some password or automation tools. Open Settings, then Accessibility, and look at what is switched on. If you see an app there that you do not know, or a simple game or cleaner, switch it off and uninstall it. Never enable it because a caller or a message insists. Switching it off is quick and costs you nothing if you did not need it.

Tips

• Open Settings, then Accessibility, and switch off any app you do not recognise.
• Never turn on accessibility for an app because a caller or message tells you to.
• Be wary of cleaner, booster and game apps that ask for this right.

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