How to remove the AxBanker malware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AxBanker?
AxBanker is an Android-specific banking malware. As its classification implies, this malicious software seeks to obtain banking information. AxBanker has been used in large smishing (SMS phishing) campaigns targeting Indian users. These operations were centered on some of the best-known banks in the region.
Research undertaken by Trend Micro analysts has discovered multiple campaigns active in India, which involve the following malicious programs - Elibomi, FakeReward, IcRAT, and IcSpy. However, at the time of writing, there is not enough evidence to link these campaigns with one another.
AxBanker overview
AxBanker infiltrates systems as a malicious app, typically one using the graphic design of a legitimate banking establishment and offering various rewards or discounts.
Following successful installation, AxBanker requests victims to enable SMS permissions, with which it can then intercept and obtain incoming text messages. This functionality may be used to prevent warnings from reaching the victim or to acquire OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and 2FAs/MFAs (two/multi-factor authentications).
AxBanker (as the fake app) displays multiple phishing windows that request users to provide sensitive information in order to get their rewards. The inspected variant of AxBanker collected the following data: full name, date of birth, mobile phone number, email address, and credit card details. With information of this kind in their possession - cyber criminals can cause a variety of damage, such as make fraudulent transactions, unauthorized online purchases, etc.
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their creations; hence, any future variants of AxBanker are likely to have additional/other abilities.
To summarize, AxBanker infections may result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
If you suspect that your device is infected with AxBanker (or other malware), we advise using an anti-virus and removing it immediately. And if your private data has already been compromised, we recommend contacting the appropriate authorities without delay.
| Name | AxBanker virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, Banking malware, malicious application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.Banker.518.origin), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Spy.Banker.BNG), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.kb), 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 | Malicious SMSes, 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. |
Banking malware examples
We have analyzed thousands of malicious software samples; S.O.V.A., Zanubis, Revive - are just some examples of Android-targeting banking malware.
These programs can be designed to steal specific information or a broad range of data. Furthermore, this software can have varied purposes and functionalities in different combinations. However, regardless of how it operates - the presence of such a threat on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did AxBanker infiltrate my device?
AxBanker has been observed being promoted through spam SMS messages. These texts either relate to tax benefits/deductions or banking reward programs; they encourage recipients to download the linked application (i.e., AxBanker under a disguise). However, it is likely that this malware is also spread using other techniques.
In general, malicious software is proliferated by employing phishing and social engineering tactics. It can be disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.
The most prevalent distribution methods include: malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., SMSes, emails, PMs/DMs, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking out necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. It is essential to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools.
Another recommendation is to be careful with incoming emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, etc. The attachments/links present in spam mail must not be opened since they can be malicious and cause system infections. We advise being vigilant when browsing - as fake and harmful content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues.
Appearance of AxBanker's app disguise asking for private data (image source - Trend Micro):
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 AxBanker malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, AxBanker's removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that AxBanker malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. AxBanker targets banking information and personally identifiable data. Hence, these infections can result in serious privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of AxBanker malware?
Malware is usually employed to generate revenue, and AxBanker's abilities imply that that is how it is used. Other reasons behind malware infections can include: attackers' amusement, process disruption (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), personal grudges, and political/geopolitical motivations.
How did AxBanker malware infiltrate my Android device?
AxBanker has been actively proliferated via smishing campaigns distributing SMSes promising rewards for banking activity (or similar things) and urging recipients to follow a link. However, other distribution techniques may be used as well.
Generally, malware is proliferated via spam mail (emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), drive-by downloads, online scams, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, and so on.
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