The growth in popularity of the Android platform makes it more of a target for those wanting to exploit users by installing malware on their devices. This article goes through how to remove Android malware and how to stop any re-infection once you have got rid of the offending program.

Growing number of auto rooting adware a big concern for Android users

You may think adware is not such a major threat and does little more than display advertisements on your mobile phone. The truth is adware also installs tracking software on your mobile phone. Having adware on your mobile phone is like having a “Live server” sitting inside your Android phone, which sends information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.

The reason this new android malware is so dangerous is because it roots the device automatically after the user installs it. It embeds itself as a system application and then it becomes impossible for the user to remove it. Even a factory reset won’t help and there is nothing you can do. The only way to remove the Auto rooting Adware is flashing your Android phone with original ROM. This can only be done at authorized service centers.

Names of android malware and how they work

Shedun, Shuanet and Shiftybugs are three common adware programs which are known to contain malicious code. There are several variants of these adware programs, with the variations having 71 percent to 82 percent of same code as the three aforementioned programs.  In order to root your device, the adware app uses publicly available exploits that perform the rooting function. The exploits used by these Adware programs are

• Framaroot
• Memexploit
• ExynosAbuse

Keep your Android phone safe from auto rooting Adware

If you are only downloading and installing apps from the Google Play store, you are most likely safe from this auto rooting Adware. These types of Adware programs generally get installed when you visit third party app stores. These corrupted apps take advantage of existing security vulnerabilities. So as long as there are ways to root your device, there will always be the risk of corrupted apps rooting your device automatically. The best way to stay safe is be extra cautious when you download apps from other sources.

According to Lookout technology and security researchers, there are more than 20,000 repackaged apps that have the new Android Malware hidden or embedded with them. This new Android Malware might be posing as one of your favorite apps in a third party app store.