Sneaky Android Adware and Malware to Watch Out For
Adware and malware are always a risk when using any type of computing device, but they can be especially harmful on Android devices. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the more common forms of Android adware and malware, and provide tips on how you or your managed security services provider can protect your business against them.
Adware and Malware Differences
The most common types of threats to Android smartphones are adware and malware.
Adware
This is software that displays advertising on your device, often in the form of pop-ups or other intrusive ads.
Malware
This is a type of malicious software that can steal your personal information, damage your device, or even disable it altogether.
Both adware and malware can be installed on your device without your knowledge or consent, often by clicking on a malicious link or downloading a fraudulent app. Once installed, these threats can be difficult to remove and can have a serious impact on the performance of your device. In some cases, adware and malware can even be used to track your location or record your conversations without your knowledge.
How Adware and Malware Affect Your Android Smartphone
Both adware and malware can pose a serious security threat to android users. typically adware collects personal information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, which can then be used for spamming or phishing attacks.
Malware can hijack a device and use it to distribute spam or launch attacks against other devices. In addition, malware can also steal personal information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers.
As android users become more aware of the dangers posed by adware and malware, they are increasingly installing security measures, such as antivirus software, on their devices.
Common Types of Adware and Malware Infections You Should Know About
Android malware comes in many forms, but here are some of the most common that wreak havoc on smartphones.
Eventbot
EventBot is a form of malware that steals banking information. It monitors text messages that you receive for two-factor authentication. It records every key tap and monitors the notifications from other applications.
According to researchers at Cyberseon, this malware disguises itself as an authentic application, such as adobe flash or Microsoft word. The scariest part is that it goes undetected by the users.
Fireball
Fireball is a form of adware that hijacks your browser. It has infected more than 20% of corporate networks globally. It transitions your browser into a made-up search engine and adds unwanted advertisements on every page that you visit. Along with that, it takes away your browser setting controls.
Fake Dolphins
It is also a form of adware that hijacks voice assistants on your device. As evident by the title, it makes Dolphin browser, which has trojan, an alternative to your current browser. The Dolphin browser then displays unwanted advertisements and redirects users to pop-ups that help the attacker make money with every click. It downloads itself by redirecting users to pop-up websites.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbird is a form of adware that has affected over 10 million users. It tricks users into clicking advertisements that redirect them to suspicious websites. This way, the attackers generate revenue from every click.
It gets installed on your Android device if you download an application from a third-party website. The good news is that it usually affects the older versions of Android. Therefore, keeping your software up to date can help prevent this adware from getting into your device’s system.
Joker
Joker is a Spyware malware that sneaks into the Google Play Store by making minor changes in its code. One of the reasons why it’s so dangerous is because it reappears. It’s often undetectable by the user. It steals money from users by automatically subscribing them to services without their knowledge. Joker has seeped its way into several Google Play Store applications with millions of downloads.
MaliBot
MaliBot is a form of banking malware that steals bank details and cryptocurrency wallets. It is also able to bypass protective authentication systems, being able to steal passwords, and capture screens. The cyber security researchers at Check Point revealed that MaliBot is among the top three malware that attacked Android devices in June 2022.
All of these types of Android malware can be extremely harmful to both individual users and businesses alike. It’s important to be aware of the dangers they pose and take steps to protect your devices from infection.
How to Tell if Adware and Malware Infect Your Android Device
There are a few telltale signs that your Android device may be infected with adware or malware. If you notice any of the following, it’s time for you or your managed security services provider to take action:
- Your battery life is suddenly shorter than usual. Adware and malware can lead to excessive battery drain as they run in the background.
- You’re seeing a lot of pop-up ads, even when you’re not using any apps. This is a sure sign that something is wrong.
- Your device is running slower than usual. All the extra processes that adware and malware that run in the background can cause this.
- You’ve installed a new app and now you’re seeing a lot more ads than usual. This is likely because the app is infected with adware.
What to do if Your Android Device is Infected
If you suspect that adware and malware is on your device, the first thing you should do is uninstall any suspicious apps. You should also run a security scan using an antivirus app. If the problem persists, it’s time to contact your managed security provider for help.
How to Keep Your Android Devices Safe
Adware and malware can be a serious problem for Android users. These malicious programs can infect your device and cause all sorts of problems, from slowing down your phone to displaying intrusive ads.
To keep your device secure, it is important to only download apps from trusted sources and to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. If you suspect that your device has been infected with adware or malware, there are a number of steps you can take to remove the threat and secure your device, and it’s important to act quickly.
Contact your managed security provider and let them know about the problem. They will be able to help you remove the adware or malware from your device and keep your Android devices clean in the future.
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