Removing the Clicker malware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Clicker?
Clicker is the name of a malicious program that targets Android devices. This malware operates akin to advertising-supported software (adware). It generates revenue through advertising. However, Clicker neither displays ads nor causes redirects to various websites. Instead, this piece of malicious software stealthily visits sites and webpages in the background, unbeknownst to the user.
Clicker malware overview
Following successful infiltration, which typically involves victims downloading/installing a useful-looking application (list of known names), Clicker begins gathering relevant data. Information of interest can include device and browser data, browsing and search engine histories, and other details relating to online advertising.
There may be a delay between when Clicker is installed and when the malicious activity starts. The key to this malware's operation is stealth; hence, the activities do not begin immediately to minimize the chances of user detection.
Following a dormant period (which can take about an hour), Clicker begins browsing the Web in the background. The browsing activity is intended to replicate that of the user. This activity is not obvious, but it can significantly affect the browsing quality from the user's perspective since the malware can create heavy network activity - thus diminishing the browsing speed.
Furthermore, victims can experience a direct financial loss relating to mobile data use - if they are not connected to a free Wi-Fi network while Clicker is active.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often update and improve upon their creations - therefore, it is possible that future versions of this malicious program will have additional/other harmful functionalities.
To summarize, Clicker infections may result in diminished browsing experience and system performance, privacy issues, and financial losses. If you suspect that your device is infected with Clicker (or other malware), we strongly advise using an anti-virus to eliminate the threat without delay.
| Name | Clicker virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Detection Names | Antiy-AVL (Trojan/Generic.ASMalwAD.C), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Clicker.OW), Ikarus (Trojan.AndroidOS.Clicker), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.AndroidOS.Ag), Lionic (Adware.AndroidOS.Agent.A!c), 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 | 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-targeting malware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malware samples, and dozens of those targeting Android operating systems - e.g., FurBall, FlyTrap, PJobRAT, RatMilad, 888 RAT, and so on.
Malware can have a wide variety of functionalities and uses. However, regardless of how this software operates - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy as well as safety. Therefore, we highly recommend removing all threats immediately upon detection.
How did Clicker infiltrate my device?
Clicker has been observed being distributed under the guise of various "handy" applications, ranging from unit converters to note-taking tools (list of known app names).
These malicious apps were distributed through the Google Play Store. However, the known ones have already been removed from it. It is pertinent to mention that despite the potential swift removal by review teams, malware developers often use genuine download platforms to promote their creations.
Additionally, it is highly likely that Clicker is distributed using other techniques. Malware is usually proliferated by employing phishing and social engineering tactics.
The most widely used distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and unofficial websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, 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, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking out necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. All downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating software with tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updates may contain malware.
It is crucial to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and harmful content usually appears legitimate. Another recommendation is to exercise caution with incoming emails and messages. The attachments and links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened since they can be malicious and cause infections.
We must emphasize the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues.
Examples of Clicker's malicious app icons (image source - mcafee.com):
List of known malicious applications related to Clicker malware (others may exist):
- High-Speed Camera
- Smart Task Manager
- Flashlight+
- K-Dictionary
- BusanBus
- Quick Note
- Joycode
- Currency Converter
- EzDica
- Instagram Profile Downloader
- Ez Notes
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 Clicker malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Clicker's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Clicker malware can cause?
The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Clicker operates by stealthily visiting websites and mimicking user behavior - to generate revenue through advertising networks. Therefore, the primary threats of such infections include decreased browsing quality and system performance, privacy issues, and financial losses.
What is the purpose of Clicker malware?
Generally, malware is employed to generate profit. However, cyber criminals can also use this software to amuse themselves, carry out personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, institutions, etc.), or even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Clicker malware infiltrate my Android device?
Clicker has been distributed under the guise of various "useful" apps (list of known names). They were promoted on the Google Play Store - however, the known malicious applications have already been removed from this platform. It is likely that Clicker is spread using other methods as well.
The most commonly used malware distribution techniques include: drive-by downloads, spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), online scams, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and malvertising.
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