How to remove LianSpy spyware-type malware from you Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is LianSpy?
LianSpy is a malicious program targeting Android operating systems. It is classified as spyware due to its spying-related activities on infected devices, such as taking screenshots and collecting data.
LianSpy has been around since at least the summer of 2021. Strong evidence suggests that this malware targets Russian users; however, LianSpy's campaigns might expand to encompass other regions as well.
LianSpy malware overview
LianSpy utilizes multiple mechanisms to avoid detection, including (but not limited to) checking whether it is run on a virtual machine, searching for debugging artifacts, and impersonating system services or legitimate software (e.g., Alipay, etc.).
The spyware can also hide notifications, particularly those related to security. It can prevent users from seeing alerts about concerning activities (such as active screen-recording), which are standard for Android 12 and later. LianSpy also filters and blocks notifications based on a flagged keyword list.
If this malware infiltrates devices as a system app, it automatically grants itself the permissions necessary to carry out its nefarious activities. However, if that is not the case – LianSpy asks victims to give it the required permissions (e.g., background activity, screen overlay, call/contact, notification, etc.).
The spyware gathers relevant device data, installed application list, call logs, contacts list, and other sensitive information. LianSpy can take screenshots and set intervals for making the snapshots. The malware has a list of apps to screenshot, but it can add new targets following infiltration.
Applications of interest include: the gallery, browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, Dolphin, UC browser, Maxthon, Baidu, Yandex), email clients (Gmail), messengers (Discord, WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Telegram, Snapchat, ICQ, Tencent QQ, imo, Signal, KakaoTalk), and social networking/ social media (Facebook, Instagram, VKontakte).
Furthermore, LianSpy can self-update – hence, not only can the spyware acquire a broader target list, but it can also gain additional capabilities.
To summarize, the presence of malicious software like LianSpy on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | LianSpy spyware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, spyware. |
| 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-specific spyware examples
We have written about thousands of malicious programs; Mandrake, Kamran, and Predator are merely a couple of our newest articles on Android-targeting spyware. Data tracking and stealing functionalities are prevalent in various malware types.
However, regardless of what (if any) information that malicious software targets – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did LianSpy infiltrate my device?
Malware is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering techniques. This software is often disguised as or bundled with ordinary program/media files.
The most widespread malware proliferation methods include: drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
It is pertinent to mention that malware may be encountered on genuine download sources (like Google Play). While it can be quickly removed from said platforms, cyber criminals may find even the brief hosting period profitable.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters can contain malware.
It is paramount to have 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.
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 LianSpy malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that LianSpy malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the cyber criminals' goals. LianSpy is a spyware that records and steals information. The presence of such software on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of LianSpy malware?
Malware is mainly used to generate revenue. However, this software may also be used to amuse the attackers, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did LianSpy malware infiltrate my Android device?
Malware is primarily distributed via drive-by downloads, suspect download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. It must be emphasized that running a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.
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