In this world of the digital, where our portable devices contain our livelihood and life history — from intimate conversations to checking accounts — security isn’t a luxury; security becomes as much a necessity for information technology (IT) as electricity. The Indian government has issued an advisory through its cybersecurity agency Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) about certain misuse of screen-sharing apps.
Initially developed for legitimate technical support and remote working, these apps have now emerged as the preferred weapons in the hands of cyber crooks to carry out financial fraud. If you have one of these three apps installed on your phone, you should uninstall it immediately, unless you’re a tech professional using these in a safe and controlled environment.
The ‘Danger Three’: The Ministry Claims When the Government is on the Attack
As per the latest advisory by MHA and I4C, these are the three applications that are under scanner for its potential of being used in a remote access scam:
AnyDesk: A very popular remote desktop program.
TeamViewer & QuickSupport (APK download) Mobile oriented remote desktop apps can also be used by Apps on PC users.
Why are they dangerous?
It’s worth making this clear: the apps aren’t “malware” per se. But in the paws of a scammer, they are Remote Access Trojans (RATs). All you have to do is install the apps and add a complete stranger to your contacts, then share a special, 9-or-10 digit code with the stranger, who can take full control of your phone.
Scrappers have your screen on their sight: When you receive that OTP from the bank, to login to internet banking, scammers can read what it says without even having need to open the message.
Banking Access: They are able to watch you enter your PINs or password and can rapidly empty your accounts.
Data theft: The intruder can read your phone’s every photo, contact, and private message.
The Scam – The Modern Twist on “Tech Support”
The government has drawn attention to a pattern that fraudsters are following to deceive unsuspecting users in downloading these apps. Knowing about these tactics is your best line of defense.
The Fake Representative: You get a call from a person identifying himself as being from either your bank, an e-commerce major (say, Amazon or Flipkart) or even a government entity like the Electricity Board.
The “Urgent” Scam: They tell you that your account has been hacked, a KYC update is due or electricity will be disconnected tonight.
The Takeover: Either you give the connection code and your screen goes “dark,” or they ask that you make a small transaction of, say ₹1 to give them access to further “verify” the account. Meanwhile, they take notes of your login credentials and assume control of your banking app.
Government Recommendations for Digital Safety
To the aid of curbing cyber fiance and I for looking at a way to put an end to this rising tide, the I4C and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued following guidelines to every smartphone user:
Immediate Deletion
If you’re an average Joe using your computer and you don’t need to use a remote desktop for work, delete AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport on your device right now.
Verify Every Caller
If a caller asks you to download software to “verify” your identity, don’t believe them. Real banks and government departments will never request remote access to your personal smartphone.
Check Permissions
Occasionally check the “Accessibility” and “Screen Recording” permissions in your phone settings. If some app you don’t recognize has these permissions, revoke them and delete the app.
Report the Fraud
If you have shared your screen, or lost money, call the ‘National Cyber Crime Helpline’ at 1930 immediately and register your complaint on www. cybercrime. gov.in.
A Policy Change: The Sanchar Saathi Scheme
The government’s attention on mobile security has heightened of late. Towards the end of 2025, Sanchar Saathi was launched by the Department of Telecommunications as a system-level resource for citizens.
Though the government briefly flirted with making a security app “undeletable” in an attempt to reduce fraud, ministers have shifted towards making these tools optional and web-based because they must balance their need for security with protection of user privacy. And the message is obvious: Your screen is your private territory. Don’t give the keys to anyone.
