The Three Worst Types Of Android Malware

A recent survey by comScore, a digital analytics service, revealed that more than half of smart phone users use the Android operating system. For cyber-attackers, this creates an enormous pool of potential targets besides the sheer number of users who store sensitive information on their devices, the number of people making payments through their Android devices is expected to increase exponentially. Unfortunately, many people still believe that viruses are only a threat to desktop computers, unaware that mobile devices are also vulnerable to the hackers. Here is a look at the most widespread and dangerous malware packages that specifically target Android Devices.

HummingBad

HummingBad is a malevolent code that installs fraudulent apps and spies on the user's browsing habits. It's a rootkit that installs itself deep inside the phone's operating system as a system file to avoid detection, giving its creators absolute control over your phone. According to researchers from Checkpoint, a mobile security firm, it was developed by the Chinese mobile ad server company Yingmob and has infected more than io million devices. This sophisticated malware has the ability to discreetly root a majority of the phones it infects by manipulating vulnerabilities in older, unprotected versions of Android.

The most common methods of Infection are: Drive-by downloads unknowingly installing it yourself by visiting infected websites.

Fortunately, the anti-virus apps from CheckPoint and Avast can detect HummingBad on your device with a quick scan. The best way to get rid of it i s to reset your device to its factory settings. Always back up important files such as documents, photos and music to an external SD card or computer before resetting; otherwise they'll be deleted permanently.

Mazar

Mazar is a virus that can reset yoir device and wipe all your stored data. Discovered by Heimdal Security in 2016, the virus has infected more than 100,000 phones in Europe, particularly Denmark. It's spread through text messages and once it's installed, the device is at the attacker's disposal. They can create and send new messages, monitor your activity, make calls, read your existing messages, change Chrome settings, lock your phone and even erase your phone's contents Mazar also forwards all web traffic to its developers through a malicious proxy, allowing them to harvest sensitive details from your web activity. According to Heirndal, Mazar gets to your phone via SMS message, and you won't be infected If you don't click the link In the text. Even if you dick it, the virus can't install unless you change your default settings to allow software from untrusted sources.

Golem

Golem is a dangerous new virus recently discovered by Cheetah Mobile Security Research Lab. While It's still In its early stage, it has infected more than 40,000 Android devices in Southeast Asia and is quickly spreading throughout the world. Golem Is a Trojan that creates a backdoor through which the program can take control of a phone remotely and automatically launch and run applications without your knowledge or consent. It also installs automated swipe gestures that use these apps, consuming your network data and local device resources.