Chinese malware reaches more than 10 million Android smartphones – O Globo

RIO-Security experts warn of malware that has infected more than 10 million Android smartphones worldwide. The software generates false advertising, opening holes for virus invasion, and apparently install fake applications on the device.

According to the Checkpoint and Lookout companies, the malware yields about $ 300 thousand (R $ 1 million) monthly to its creators. The most affected countries are China, India, the Philippines and Indonesia.

“It can remain even if the user performs a factory reset. It installs additional applications on the device, increasing ad revenue for the authors and defeating uninstallation attempts, “said Kristy Edwards Lookout company.

According to the companies, the malware that is spread would be the type known as” Hummingbad “which facilitates remote access to phones, allowing clicks deliberate ad advertising.

the malware takes advantage of loopholes in older operating systems of Android. In a statement, Google, smartphone maker, said it is aware of the spread of software and is improving systems to detect it. The company also said that actively blocks the installation of infected applications in order to maintain secure user information.