Report finds Android malware pre-installed on hundreds of phones

Even if you're careful about avoiding sketchy websites and apps, there's nothing you can do if your smartphone has malware built in. That's actually the case with hundreds of different smartphones, according to Avast Thread Labs. The researchers found adware installed on devices not certified by Google from manufacturers like ZTE, Archos and myPhone. Users with affected phones will see popup ads and other annoying problems, and because the adware is installed on a firmware level, it's incredibly difficult to remove.

This isn't the first time we've seen bad apps pre-installed, as Lenovo famously shipped the "Superfish" malware with brand new PCs. It's one of the bigger scandals related to malware installed on Android devices, however, and might affect a lot more users.

There are a couple of different variants of the Android malware APKs, but they work on the same principal.The infected apps, called droppers, are installed in a hidden way in a list of system applications in the settings. They download a small file called a manifest that tells the app what other files to gets. It then downloads those and installs an APK from an URL found in the manifest, and uses a standard Android command to install it. Finally, it starts the payload service.

The payload APK contains Google, Facebook and Baidu ad frameworks. It is able to detect any antivirus software, and will "hold back any suspicious actions in this case," said Avast. If not, it will show popup ads for sketchy games while you surf on your default browser. That's already a big nuisance, but could get a lot worse if you actually installed any of the games.

The top countries affected are Russia, Italy, Germany, the UK and France. Avast managed to disable the dropper server via takedown requests, but it was quickly restored using another provider. The adware servers are still operating, and lots of users have complained about it, the company notes.

Avast contacted Google, which "has taken steps to mitigate the malicious capabilities of many app variants on several device models, using internally developed techniques," said the company. Specifically, Google Play Protect should automatically disable the dropper and the payload, if it's available.

Another solution, of course, is to use mobile antivirus software that Avast just happens offer (or another antivirus app, we presume). That should uninstall the payload, but you'll have to manually go into your settings to disable the dropper. For more information about how to do that, check here.

Source: Avast



via Engadget RSS Feed https://ift.tt/2klyI7O
RSS Feed

If New feed item from http://www.engadget.com/rss-full.xml, then send me

IFTTT

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Evernote cuts staff as user growth stalls

Image
Note-taking app Evernote has fallen on hard times of late, culminating in its latest spate of job cuts impacting 15 percent of its workforce (54 employees). CEO Chris O' Neil -- an ex-Googler who took the reins in 2015 -- announced the firings at an all-hands meeting earlier today, reports TechCrunch . In a message on the Evernote blog , O' Neill admitted he'd set "incredibly aggressive goals" for the company in 2018. He continued: "Going forward, we are streamlining certain functions, like sales, so we can continue to speed up and scale others, like product development and engineering." The layoffs follow an exec exodus just weeks ago and the company's recent brand refresh (complete with a refined logo and wordmark). But critics are more concerned about its product, especially the free tier, which they claim lacks the perks to...
Read more

The best air conditioner

Image
By Liam McCabe This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter . When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here . After six summers of researching, testing, and recommending window air conditioners, we've learned that quiet and affordable ACs make most people the happiest—and we think the LG LW8016ER will fit the bill in most rooms. This 8,000 Btu unit cools as efficiently and effectively as any model with an equal Btu rating, and runs at a lower volume and deeper pitch than others at this price. Little extra features like a fresh-air vent, two-axis fan blades, and a removable drain plug help set it apart, too. The LG LW8016ER is a top choice for an office or den, and some people will find it quiet enough for a bedroom, too. If our main pic...
Read more

We won't see a 'universal' vape oil cartridge anytime soon

Image
Pre-loaded cartridges of cannabis concentrate are currently among the most popular means of consumption, and for good reason. They're discreet to use and easy to handle, a far cry from the dark days of 2016 when we had to dribble hash oil or load wax into narrow-mouthed vape pens by hand. But, frustratingly, an ever increasing number of oil cartridge manufacturers employ one-off design standards so that their products won't work with those of their competitors, thereby locking customers into proprietary ecosystems. We've already seen this with nicotine vaporizers -- which has a seen a massive rise in "pod systems" in the last few years, each outfitted with a unique canister and battery built to be incompatible with those of their competition. Is it too late for the burgeoning cannabis industry to set a universal standard for their product designs? ...
Read more