How to remove Predator spyware from your device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Predator?
Predator is the name of spyware (malicious software) targeting Android users. Between August and October 2021, the attackers utilized zero-day exploits that targeted Chrome and the Android OS to install Predator spyware implants on Android devices, even those that were fully up-to-date.
More about the Predator spyware
It is assessed with high confidence that the exploits in question were bundled by a single commercial surveillance firm known as Cytrox. These exploits were then sold to various government-backed actors who employed them in at least three distinct campaigns.
The government-backed threat actors who acquired and utilized these exploits to deploy Predator spyware onto Android targets are based in countries including Armenia, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Madagascar, Serbia, and Spain.
The targeted Android users were sent one-time links via email that mimicked URL shortener services in all of the campaigns.
During the campaigns, the malicious actors initially deployed the Alien banking trojan, which had RAT functionality, to then introduce the Predator spyware. This malware enabled various capabilities, such as audio recording, addition of CA certificates, and app concealment.
The spyware has the capability to capture phone conversations, gather data from messaging applications, and even conceal apps while preventing them from running on compromised Android devices.
In addition, the spyware employs certificate poisoning techniques to implant customized certificates into the trusted certificate authorities of the current user. This enables Predator to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdrop on network communications encrypted with TLS.
| Name | Predator malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, spyware |
| Detection Names | Avast (ELF:Alien-B [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Linux.GenericKD.39821964), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Alien.A), Kaspersky (HEUR:Backdoor.AndroidOS.Alien.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, 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. |
Spyware in general
Spyware is a type of malware that can monitor a user's computer or mobile device without their knowledge or consent. It is often used by cybercriminals for stealing personal information, tracking online activity, and displaying unwanted ads. Spyware can be distributed through various means.
More examples of malware targeting Android users are Nexus, goatRat, and TgToxic.
How did Predator infiltrate my device?
Cybercriminals distributed one-time links via email to targeted Android users by disguising them as URL shorteners. When clicked, the links would redirect users to a domain controlled by the attacker, which delivered the exploits before redirecting the browser to a legitimate website.
If the link was inactive, the user was directly redirected to the legitimate website without any exploit delivery.
How to avoid installation of malware?
To avoid Android malware, users should only download apps from the official Google Play Store or other trusted app stores. They should also keep their devices updated with the latest security patches and updates.
Additionally, users should be cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments from emails or text messages, especially if they are from unknown or suspicious sources. It is also recommended to use antivirus software on Android devices for added protection.
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 device is infected with Predator malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your device will delete all the data stored on it. Thus, trying to use a reliable antivirus program to scan and remove the malware from your device is recommended before taking any drastic actions.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause a range of significant issues, including data theft and loss, system damage, and financial loss. Malware may be used to steal personal information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and sensitive data. Additionally, some types of malware can damage the operating system or other critical software components, causing system instability or crashes. It can also be used to perpetrate financial fraud, such as banking and credit card fraud.
What is the purpose of Predator malware?
This malware has the ability to enable several functions, including audio recording, the addition of CA certificates, and concealing apps.
How did a malware infiltrate my device?
There are several ways that malware can infiltrate an Android device. It can be unknowingly downloaded from a malicious or compromised website, received as a spam email attachment, or piggybacked on a legitimate-looking app. Malware can also exploit vulnerabilities in the device's operating system or other software components to gain access to the device.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, it's important to note that advanced malware often conceals itself deep within the system. As a result, conducting a complete system scan is necessary.
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