From Samsung to Huawei, Android smartphones are some of the most popular devices around the world.
But if you have an Android device, you should be aware of a nasty piece of malware that could render your smartphone useless.
The malware, called xHelper, was first discovered in May last year, but has started re-infecting smartphones again this month, according to Malwarebytes.
An Android user called Amelia reported the issue, writing: “I have a phone that is infected with the xhelper virus. This tenacious pain just keeps coming back.
“I’m fairly technically inclined so I’m comfortable with common prompt or anything else I may need to do to make this thing go away so the phone is actually usable!”
An analysis of Amelia’s phone revealed that xHelper was repeatedly re-infecting her device, even after a factory reset.
The researchers found that the malware was hiding itself within the Google Play Store, meaning it could cling to the smartphone, even after a factory reset.
Malwarebytes researcher, Nathan Collier, explained: “It’s important to realise that unlike apps, directories and files remain on the Android mobile device even after a factory reset. Therefore, until the directories and files are removed, the device will keep getting infected.”
Thankfully, Malwarebytes was able to help Amelia to remove the malware from her smartphone.
Mr Collier added: “This is by far the nastiest infection I have encountered as a mobile malware researcher. Usually a factory reset, which is the last option, resolves even the worst infection.
“This marks a new era in mobile malware. The ability to re-infect using a hidden directory containing an APK that can evade detection is both scary and frustrating.
“We will continue analysing this malware behind the scenes. In the meantime, we hope this at least ends the chapter of this particular variant of xHelper.”
