How to remove the Zanubis banking trojan from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Zanubis?
Zanubis is a piece of malicious software classified as a banking trojan. This malware targets Android Operating Systems (OSes). The primary function of this program is to stealthily obtain online banking account credentials and gain access to the funds stored therein. Zanubis targets Latin American banks, particularly those based in Peru.
Zanubis malware overview
As is common for this type of malware, Zanubis abuses the Android Accessibility Services to carry out its malicious operations. These services are designed to give extra aid to users who need it when interacting with their devices. Android Accessibility Services can read device screens, simulate the touchscreen, and help perform other actions. Hence, malware that abuses these services gains this level of control over the infected system.
Zanubis gathers the following device data: manufacturer (particularly if the device is a Samsung, Huawei, or Motorola), model, fingerprint, installed app list, contact list, etc. This banking trojan also aims to obtain battery permission, with which it could exempt itself from optimization processes (i.e., avoid being put to "sleep").
Zanubis is capable of sending SMSes and showing the victim various notifications. Other functionalities include deleting applications and locking the device's screen.
Zanubis' primary goal is to acquire the log-in credentials of targeted banking apps. The malware achieves this by showing overlay screens; in other words, it displays fake sign-in screens that record the information (IDs, usernames, email addresses, passwords, OTPs, etc.) entered into them.
With this data in their possession, the cyber criminals may gain control over the exposed bank account and its funds. The criminals can use that to make unauthorized transactions and/or online purchases.
To summarize, Zanubis infections can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft. If you suspect that your device is infected with Zanubis (or other malware), we strongly advise using an anti-virus to remove it without delay.
| Name | Zanubis malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, banking trojan, trojan. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.Banker.5069), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Spy.Banker.BNH), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Zanubis.a), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android banking trojan examples
We have analyzed countless malware samples; Revive, Coper, MaliBot, and Octo are a few Android-specific banking trojans.
Generally, malicious software can have various abilities in different combinations. However, regardless of how malware operates - its presence threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Zanubis infiltrate my device?
Malware designed to infect mobile devices has been observed being spread through legitimate app download sources. Despite their constant removal from said platforms, developers of malicious apps continue to use this distribution method.
Malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering tactics. This software is usually disguised as (or bundled with) genuine programs/media.
The most common distribution techniques include: malicious attachments and links in spam mail (emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and malvertising.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to download/installation by verifying developer legitimacy, checking out the requested permissions, looking through reviews, etc. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.
We advise activating and updating software by using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updates may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be cautious with incoming emails, text messages (SMSes), PMs/DMs (Private/Direct Messages), etc. The attachments and links found in suspect/irrelevant mail - must not be opened since that can result in a system infection.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually appears ordinary and harmless.
We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues.
Screenshot of a fake Android update screen displayed during the installation of Zanubis trojan:
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My Android device is infected with Zanubis malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Most malicious programs can be removed without formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Zanubis malware can cause?
The threats posed by malware depend on its capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. Zanubis is a banking trojan - a type of malicious program that aims to obtain banking account log-in credentials. Therefore, Zanubis infections can result in serious privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft.
What is the purpose of Zanubis malware?
Since Zanubis is a banking trojan, its purpose is to generate revenue. While this is the most prevalent reason behind malware infections, malicious software is also used to amuse the cyber criminals, realize personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Zanubis malware infiltrate my Android device?
Malware is most commonly distributed via drive-by downloads, spam mail (emails, SMS, DMs/PMs, etc.), online scams, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and malvertising.
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