TechRepublic reported today that Android phones could actually be destroyed by a new type of cryptojacker. Cryptojacking is when malware which does unauthorized mining on a device and sends the mined currency to the malware creator. As of this date over $5000 has already been illegally mined. This malware can use all available resources on the infected phone while it is doing its mining.
This malware was discovered by Trend Micro and has been named “ANDROIDOS_HIDDENMINER”. This miner mines one specific cryptocurrency: Monero (XMR). This currency is more popular with hackers and criminals because it is more private then bitcoin.
This malware was first detected in Asia but it has no geographic boundaries and it is nearly impossible to remove in older Android phones. The malware gives itself full administration of your phone and if you try to stop or uninstall it the program will just lock your phone screen on you and keep on mining. The latest Android operating system has patched the software that allowed this type of malware to take over Android phones so if you have not upgraded yet, then do so soon.
The Google Play store has been successful in keeping this malware out, but if you use third-party apps then you might accidentally install it.
Since this malware uses all resources that it can get its hands on, it could actually destroy the battery and electronics by overheating them. Unlike cryptojacking malware on computers which try to operate surreptitiously so they can mine as long as possible, the ANDROIDOS_HIDDENMINER malware has no such limitation. It will be happy to mine until your phone catches on fire. But it does try to keep itself undetectable by hiding its own icon.
You can do three things to avoid this malware:
- Install an antivirus program on your phone.
- Keep your Android version up to date.
- Only use apps from the Google Play store – yes, even that is not always 100% guaranteed but does provide some protection since Google is vigilant and tries to prevent malware in its store.
Have you been infected by this malware? Comment below.
Read the full TechRepublic article here
