A virus that is attacking phones with Android operating system has already affected millions of people worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in countries like Mexico and Colombia.
the HummingBad introduces infected ads and installs fraudulent applications in the device user.
the malware creates a rootkit (a back door that allows full access to the device) persistent, they can sneak ads that generate fraudulent income for the creator the virus through forced clicks and malicious programs.
the security expert who raised the alert, CheckPoint security, firma estimated 10 million users worldwide , mainly in China and India, have been attacked by HummingBad.
The virus was first detected in February, although it is believed that began operating in mid 2015.
estimates that since its creators whose location CheckPoint established in Yuzhong, China -. have been collecting about $ 300,000 per month
| Latin American countries most affected by HummingBad | Number of users |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 366 566 |
| Mexico | 325 208 |
| Colombia | 137 131 |
in a statement, Google said it was aware of the existence of “this family of malware evolving, and we are constantly improving systems that detect”.
But what you can do personally to avoid becoming a vícitima of HummingBad (or to remedy the situation if it is too late)? “.
BBC World provides a basic guide.
How to know if you have HummingBad?
“It depends. you may not have any warning “he tells BBC security firm specializing in cell phones Network security in UK.
” But if you notice a strange behavior, as your phone starts to slow, suspicion. “
” There is a simple trick to know if you are infected, “explains Manu Contreras, blogger and technology journalist and security.
“At the time when you see that your phone has a plications you never installed or show you advertising pages, you should download some antivirus such as Kaspersky Internet Security or Lookout “.
What can you do to your phone?
inundarte with unsolicited advertisements , which refuse to leave unless you click on them-and settle malicious applications .
But, as we said earlier, the more serious the problem is the access to your phone and your data , which some applications may steal and sell to the highest bidder.
“As this infection is installed on the root of the operating system, in theory could do anything with computers because they can run applications remotely, “says Manu Contreras.
What can you do if you have it?
“the first to have an infected cell is to make a backup of your data. Your photos, videos, documents or chat conversations are the most important data “suggests Contreras.
The following may not like as an option. According to experts CheckPoint cited by the specialized site CNET, the solution is “reset” completely phone .
This means delete everything you’ve done in the appliance and leave it as if i was new factory.
to do this, you must activate the “scan data-restore factory” ( wipe data / factory reset ), according to specific instructions your model of phone.
However, is not the option recommended Contreras.
“Given that these viruses and malware are installed in the depths of memory and ‘restore factory’ team not serves, take it to a trusted specialist for review “, recommended.
How to avoid becoming infected?
common sense should prevail in this case, with similar recommendations that apply in the case of being infected with a virus on your computer.
- Do not download applications from unknown . But keep in mind that even in official stores “there are lots of malicious applications,” says the firm Network Security
So a good complementary advice to avoid falling into traps is offered by Manu Contreras.:
“Before accepting download an application from Google Play, a window with the permissions that prompted the app , such as access contacts or use the camera shown. But why want a app flashlight using the camera or contacts? “he says. Read the list and suspected .
- Do not click on links You did not expect to receive . Network Security warns that even can get via text message, so do not give in to the temptation to open them if you find them this way.
- Use an antivirus program from a recognized company that is continually updated.
And although this is a standard tip, the mobile security company also recommends using programs that allow users to visualize what’s happening on your phone.
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