The HummingBad
Malware is causing
lots of havoc and
has infected
millions of Android
devices worldwide
and you need to
remove it as soon
as possible from
your android
device. The
HummingBad is a
technically a
rootkit which is
mostly
downloaded from
free apps sites
and it installs itself
deep inside the
Android operating
system to avoid
detection but gives
the hacker
complete control
over your phone.
Information stolen
from infected
phones to its
creator by this
malware ranks
about $300,0000
monthly.
How HummingBad works in your
device
Once it enters your device, the HummingBad
start installing apps on your device and each
time your browsing, it spies on your browsing
habits and the pages you open. On pages that
has targeted adverts, it can also generates fake
clicks for online adverts thereby opening pages
that you did not intend to open
How to check if Your Device Is
Infected.
Because its work is mostly auto clicks, opening
online adverts and observing browsing habits,
when you observe any of these on your Android
phone;
- displaying unusual advertisements , or
- too many pages being open simultaneously or
- your phone starts consuming too much data
from your data subscription,
then it is likely that your device might be
infected and you need to remove it.
Other noticeable signs include:
- Your phone receiving an unexpected “system
update” notifications, or
- you get a prompt to install a new app
especially one which you did not download, or
- you find some apps on your phone that you
did not install, and
- your battery drains more rapidly than normal.
Your phone anti-virus app can also detect the
malware especially Lookout Security Sofware,
Avast anti virus or360 Security software and
prompt you to uninstall affected apps.
How to remove the HummingBad
malware
Once it enters your phone and you start
observing the signs above, it is very difficult to
remove it from the device, for now, the only
way to get back your phone is to perform a
factory “Hard reset”.
To do this, follow the following steps carefully
1. Create a backup of the data on your device;
it is advisable not to backup apps. You can use
Titanium or Mobile Uncle Tools on either PC
(preferred) or phone.
2. After backing up the data, go to Settings >
Backup and reset > Factory Data Reset. This
might be different on different android device,
but it is relatively easy to find.
3. Tap Reset device (or Reset phone depending
on the model). Sit back as your device reboots
to Recovery mode (with just an android icon on
the screen) and will start wiping your infected
device.
4. Upon completion, your device will
automatically reboot and then you can proceed
to set up your device and install your apps.
5. As your device is now free of the
HummingBad malware, it is advisable that you
install apps only from Google Playstore or
trusted sites