From Samsung to Google, Android smartphones are some of the most popular handheld devices around the world.
But if you use an Android, a new report may raise some alarm bells for you.
Researchers from Secure-D have warned that 200,000 Android smartphones have been found to contain dangerous malware, called Triada.
In a blog about the findings, the researchers explained: “Triada is a well-known and extensively investigated malware that acts as a software backdoor and malware downloader. It installs a trojan (a piece of malicious code designed to look normal) known as “xHelper” onto compromised devices.
“It uses top-level device privileges to execute arbitrary malicious code after receiving instructions from a remote command and control server. It then hides inside permanent system components, making it more resilient against attempts to remove it.”
The malware was found to be pre-installed on the Tecno W2 - a low-end Android smartphone made by Chinese manufacturer Transsion.
Secure-D said: “To date, a total of 19.2m suspicious transactions – which would have secretly signed users up to subscription services without their permission – have been recorded from over 200k unique devices.”
Most of this suspicious activity, which is still on-going, took place in Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana.
Based on the findings, the researchers are urging Android owners to be vigilant about any charges to their smartphone.
They added: “To avoid falling victim, Android users in particular should check their phone airtime records for unexpected charges and high data usage.
“Third-party app stores often have less rigorous approval processes that let malware-prone apps sneak into their listings, but even apps from official sources like Google Play can be compromised.
“And as we’ve seen in this instance, sometimes the infection is already present when you purchase a new phone.”
