How to remove PJobRAT malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is PJobRAT?
PJobRAT is the name of Android malware (spyware and Remote Access Trojan) targeting Indian users. Cybercriminals distribute PJobRAT by disguising it as instant messaging and dating apps (e.g., HangOn, SignalLite, Trendbanter, Rita, and Ponam). Their goal is to spy on victims (to gather personal information).
PJobRAT in detail
As we mentioned in the introduction, PJobRAT is distributed using different fake apps. One of them is Trendbanter, masquerading as WhatsApp. Once launched, the fake app registers the Android device with Firebase Command and Control server with the phone model, OS version, IMEI, phone number, manufacturer's name, IP address, and other details.
After that, PJobRAT abuses the Android Accessibility Service to steal WhatsApp messages and contacts (it could be gathering other information when distributed via other fake apps). Also, it checks the infected device for .doc, .docx, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .xls and .xlsx files and uploads them to the Command and Control server.
Additionally, PJobRAT sends video, image, and audio files, a list of installed apps, SMS information, a list of files stored in the external storage, and WiFi (and geolocation) information to the C&C server.
| Name | PJobRAT spyware/remote administration trojan |
| Threat Type | Android malware, Malicious application, RAT, Spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Android:PJobRat-A [Rat]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.46493319), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Spy.Agent.BSA), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Agent.yq), 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, browsers redirect to questionable websites, intrusive advertisements are delivered. |
| Distribution methods | Fake applications, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, 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. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
PJobRAT in general
The purpose of PJobRAT is to gather personal information (including SMS messages). Depending on the obtained information, it may be misused to access online accounts, make fraudulent purchases and transactions, and for other purposes. Thus, victims should remove HangOn, SignalLite, Trendbanter, Rita, and Ponam fake apps as soon as possible.
More examples of Android malware are RatMilad, 888, and Triada.
How did PJobRAT infiltrate my device?
PJobRAT is distributed via fake instant messaging apps (SignalLite and HangOn) and dating apps (like Trendbanter, Rita and Ponam). There can be more fake apps used to distribute the PJobRAT Android malware. Once executed, those apps allow cybercriminals to perform their malicious activities (obtain information and files).
Cybercriminals use third-party stores (and even legitimate stores like Google Play) and unofficial pages to distribute malicious apps.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Avoid downloading and installing apps with few or no reviews (always read reviews before downloading apps). Use official pages and stores to download software (do not use other sources). Note that opening suspicious links received via email or SMS can open malicious pages.
Keep the operating system and installed up to date. Do not allow questionable apps to access sensitive information or control services.
Screenshot of the fake/malicious Trendbanter dating app masquerading as WhatsApp (source: k7computing.com):
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)
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can be designed to encrypt files, steal sensitive information, mine cryptocurrency, inject other malware, remotely control computers, and perform other actions.
What is the purpose of PJobRAT malware?
PjobRAT is a Remote Access Trojan and spyware. It can receive commands from a C2 (Command and Control) server and exfiltrate files and data. It is used to steal information.
How did a PJobRAT malware infiltrate my device?
It is known that PJobRAT is distributed via fake instant messaging apps (like SignalLite and HangOn) and dating apps (like Trendbanter, Rita, and Ponam). It starts malicious activities after the installation and execution of fake apps. Typically, cybercriminals use third-party stores, Google Play, and unofficial pages to trick users into installing trojanized apps.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware infections. Devices infected with high-end malware must be scanned using a full system scan. Malware of this kind usually hides deep in the system.
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