Shocking News: Android 2023 Preinstalled Malware Crisis! (2023)

Known for their versatility and ease of use, Android devices have recently been scrutinized for a less than desirable feature – pre-installed malware.

This article explores the disturbing reality that millions of Android TVs and phones may have malware pre-installed, shedding light on the threats involved, how to detect such threats, and the steps you can take to protect your devices.

What is pre-installed malware?

Pre-installed malware, as the name suggests, is malware that is immediately installed on the device. This type of malware is especially sneaky because it bypasses the normal download and installation process that security software would normally run. For Android TVs and phones, this malware can range from bots that click ads to more dangerous software that can steal personal information or even take control of your device.

lastreportIt shows that potentially millions of Android TVs and phones have malware pre-installed. According toCybersecurity company researchTrend Micro could affect as many as 8.9 million phones and an undisclosed number of Android TVs. This alarming number underlines the scale of the problem and the potential risk to unsuspecting users.

How is malware pre-installed?

You might wonder how malware got pre-installed on your device. Here are some scenarios where this is most likely to be understood.

1. third party involvement- Malware can be installed on Android devices when Android device manufacturers hire third parties to enhance system images, according to a report by cybersecurity firm Trend Micro. These third parties may be malicious or have insufficient security measures, which may lead to malware installation. (csoonline.com)
2. Security measures violated- In some cases, factory-level security may be compromised, allowing malware to be installed on the device. This may be due to the lack of proper security protocols or the use of outdated or insecure software.
3. dishonest producers- Some manufacturers may deliberately install malware on their devices to make quick money. This malware usually generates revenue by clicking ads or stealing data.
4. cheap equipment- Low-end Android devices seem to be particularly susceptible to pre-installed malware. These devices often have poor security and use third-party app stores that are more likely to contain malicious apps. (pcmag.com)
5. pre-installed apps- Some malware may be pre-installed as a legitimate-looking application. These apps often have excessive permissions and can perform various malicious activities, from displaying intrusive advertisements to stealing personal information. (avast.com)

2023: Reports of pre-installed malware in "innocent" apps

According to the Bleeping Computer report, cybercriminals charge up to $5,000 to add malware to apps on Google Play. This suggests that pre-installing malware can be a lucrative business for cybercriminals, further underlining the need for stringent security measures.

dr. WeberReview for January 2023Virus activity on mobile devices indicates an increase in adware Trojan activity, with the Android.HiddenAds Trojan family being particularly widespread. These Trojans are usually distributed as popular and harmless applications, but once installed, they display intrusive advertisements and significantly slow down the device.

ARaport MalwarebytesaIt also indicates that malware is a much bigger threat to Android devices than iOS devices. Malware on Android devices comes in many forms, including adware, ransomware, and Trojans masquerading as innocent apps. These malicious apps can steal personal and financial information and establish a permanent gateway to smartphones, posing a serious threat to businesses.

These reports highlight the fact that pre-installed malware is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. It's not just about the device you buy; this includes the apps you install and the security measures you take to protect your device.

Here are some of the affected apps from the April 2023 Goldoson malware (herefull list):

•L.POINT i L.PAY- 10 million downloads

•brick cleaner- 10 million downloads

•Money manager fees and budgets- 10 million downloads

•GOM playerr - 5 million downloads

•Live Scores, Live Scores- 5 million downloads

•on demand- 5 million downloads

•Compass 9: smart compass- 1 million downloads

•Gaomei Audio- Music, lyrics sync - 1 million downloads

•Lotte World Magic Pass- 1 million downloads

•bouncing brick breaker- 1 million downloads

•infinite piece- 1 million downloads

•Kei song- Beautiful note taking app - 1 million downloads

•About the subway in Korea: Metroid- 1 million downloads

Here's what a Google spokesperson had to say about malware in Google Play apps:

case study

The problem of pre-installed malware on Android devices is not new. Over the years, several high-profile cases have brought this issue to light. Here are some notable examples:

2023: Android TV streaming gadgets

• Another in May 2023known caseIt includes the popular Android TV streaming gadget based on a Chinese chipset.

• Malware has been reported to be pre-installed on these devices causing serious performance and security issues.

• Malware has been discovered to be able to steal personal information and even take control of devices.

• This case highlights the need for strict security measures, even for seemingly innocuous devices such as TV streaming devices.

2022: T95 Android TV Box Malware Incident

• 2022, Canadian Systems Security AdvisorDiscoverThe Android TV T95 purchased from Amazon had persistent, sophisticated malware embedded in the firmware.

• The malware turned out to be similar to 'CopyCat', a sophisticated Android malware first discovered in 2017 by Check Point's mobile threat researchers. The malware was previously seen in an ad campaign that infected 14 million Android devices.

• The T95 Android set-top box is widely sold on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and AliExpress, highlighting the potential scale of the problem.

2021: Android mobile events in Germany

• U 2021. god.Found MalwarebytesAuto-installer threat pre-installed on Android mobile devices in Germany.

• Auto-installers have been found to be able to install other applications without user consent, which may lead to further security issues.

• This case shows the importance of keeping your device updated regularly and using reliable security software.

2020: UMX U683CL mobile malware incident

2020, MalwarebytesReport a crimeUMX U683CL headsets offered through Lifeline Assistance had pre-installed malware.

• The malware has been identified as HiddenAds, a type of adware known for displaying intrusive advertisements and potentially stealing user data.

• This case highlights the risks of low-cost equipment and the importance of strict security measures.

2019: Suede botnet

• In 2019, Google Project Zero researcher Maddie Stone discovered a botnet called Chamois for texting and advertising scams.

• This botnet affected millions of devices, causing chaos and leading to massive investigations.

• salaryAntelope botnetIts uniqueness lies in the fact that it is not only pre-installed on the device, but can also be distributed to other devices.

• This case study highlights the potential scope and impact of pre-installed malware.

2018: Cheap Android smartphones

•Cheap Android devicesIt has been found several times with malware pre-installed.

• These devices, often made in China, are particularly vulnerable due to poor security measures and the use of third-party app stores.

• Malware detected on these devices included both adware and more dangerous software that can steal personal information.

• This case highlights the risks of low-cost equipment and the importance of purchasing from reputable manufacturers.

2017: Explosion of Android malware

• In 2017, there was a serious incidentreportSeveral lines of Android devices have been found to have malware pre-installed.

• Affected devices come from different manufacturers, highlighting how widespread the problem is.

• The malware in question is primarily adware that displays intrusive pop-up ads and significantly slows down your device.

• The incident led to increased scrutiny of Android device manufacturers and their security practices.

These case studies are a stark reminder of the potential dangers of pre-installed malware on Android devices. They stressed the importance of being careful, updating your device regularly, and using reliable security software.

What happens when your mobile device is infected with malware?

The effects of pre-installing malware on a mobile device can range from mildly annoying to seriously harmful. It is harmful to say the least, leading to poor user experience, constant ads and poor performance.

In the worst case, this can lead to serious security breaches, resulting in the theft of personal data or inoperable devices.

"The infection turns these devices into mobile proxies, tools to steal and sell text messages, social media accounts and online messages, and to monetize ads and clicks"say a cyber security companytrend micro.This type of malware can cause significant loss of personal information and privacy.

Neki malwarePenetrate system appsmaking it difficult to remove them without affecting the functionality of the device. This type of malware can cause a significant deterioration in device performance and user experience.

In 2019, Maddie Stone, a Google Project Zero researcher, discovered texting andAn advertising scam botnet called Chamoisthat affected millions of devices. This botnet can generate ad scams, install background apps, download plug-ins and even hijack devices.

There is also malware that allows Android devices to communicate with command and control center servers via a backdoor. This type of malware can cause serious security breaches that can lead to the theft of personal information or remote control of devices.

A look at the global impact of the latest malware from May 2023

According to Trend Micro, the major cybercriminal group Lemon Group (now renamed Durian Cloud SMS) previously claimed on its website that it controlled nearly 9 million devices in 180 countries.

The most affected countries are the United States, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Russia.

How to detect pre-installed malware?

Identifying pre-installed malware can be difficult, especially since it often runs in the background without the user's knowledge. However, you can use several signs and methods to detect potential malware on Android devices:

1. Battery over discharge- Malware often consumes a lot of battery power, causing it to drain faster than usual.
2. misuse of data- If you notice a sudden increase in data usage, it may be that malware is running in the background.
3. Frequent, inexplicable pop-up ads- Frequent pop-up ads with no identifiable origin can be a sign of adware (a type of malware).
4. Using security apps- Security apps like Malwarebytes, Norton, Lookout or Bitdefender can scan your device for viruses and malware.
5. Set up a proxy server to view network traffic- This method can help you detect if your Android device is communicating with suspicious servers, which is a potential sign of malware.
6. Check device performance- If your device is running slower than usual or crashes frequently, malware may be the cause.
7. Enjoy built-in security features- Some Android devices have built-in security features that can help detect malware. For example, Samsung Smart Manager can check for malware or viruses.
8. Check installed apps- Check your installed apps for something you don't recognize. Malware is often disguised as legitimate apps.

at the end

The problem of pre-installed malware on Android TVs and phones is serious and potentially affects millions of devices around the world.

But by understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of infection, and taking proactive steps to protect your device, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Android experience.

tenGroup of Geological KnotsWe hope this article will not only help you understand the potential risks, but also put you in control of the security of your device.

For safe internet browsing, Geonode offers high-quality mobile proxies for anonymous browsing, access to geo-restricted content, and web browsing.