How to remove PlayPraetor malware from Android
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is PlayPraetor?
PlayPraetor is a trojan-type malware targeting Android devices. It is a multi-functional program capable of stealing a wide variety of information from compromised systems. PlayPraetor has been spread through a massive campaign utilizing fake Google Play Store webpages.
PlayPraetor malware overview
PlayPraetor is proliferated under the guise of legitimate-looking applications. Upon installation, this trojan can present the user with a fake account creation or sign-in screen asking them to enter their telephone number and password. In some instances, the malware requests to be granted accessibility permissions.
Malicious software often utilizes the Android Accessibility Services to expand its capabilities. The Accessibility Services are designed to provide additional aid with device interaction to users who require it. For example, these services can read the screen, manipulate the touchscreen, interact with the keyboard, etc.
Hence, with this permission, malware can gain and abuse all functionalities of the Android Accessibility Services. However, PlayPraetor does not always rely on this permission.
This trojan collects relevant device data, such as its ID, brand/model, operating system version, screen resolution, battery status, geolocation info (e.g., IP address, timezone, coordinates, etc.), network details, and so on. PlayPraetor retrieves a list of targeted applications, which includes banking apps and cryptocurrency wallets.
The program gathers data associated with targeted software and may be capable of displaying phishing screens (perform overlay attacks). To expand upon the latter, it entails overlaying genuine apps with imitator screens asking for log-in credentials, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.
PlayPraetor can also intercept incoming SMSes, which can include OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and 2FA/MFA (Two/Multi-Factor Authentication) codes. It continuously monitors content copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer), likely targeting cryptowallet addresses and other finance-related information.
The malware has keylogging (keystroke recording) abilities. PlayPraetor might also be used as ransomware or to add victims' devices to a botnet (e.g., to serve as auto ad clickers, sign-up users for expensive subscriptions, etc.).
It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, possible future iterations of PlayPraetor could have additional/different functionalities and features.
In summary, the presence of software like PlayPraetor on devices can lead to data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | PlayPraetor malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, Android malware, malicious application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.BankBot.Remo.1.origin), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.md), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Related Domains | pajak.abrgo[.]cc, pajak.veugo[.]cc, googleplay.djppajakgoid[.]com, pajak.rugind[.]cc, etc. |
| 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 investigated countless malware samples; KoSpy, SpyLend, SparkCat, and FireScam are just some of our latest articles on Android-specific programs.
Malicious programs can have a broad range of abilities, which can be used for a variety or incredibly limited purposes. Yet regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did PlayPraetor infiltrate my device?
PlayPraetor has been proliferated through an extensive campaign comprising at least six thousand fake Google Play Store pages. These sites closely imitate Google Play. Their URLs may also mimic the official Play Store domain or otherwise include its name or words associated with existing products/services. Some URLs also relied on typosquatting (misspelled addresses).
The malware is disguised as legitimate apps with potential similarities to popular tools (i.e., names, icons, etc.). Aside from typosquatting, these imitator websites were promoted via SMSes and Meta posts and advertisements. Known lures centered on financial incentives (e.g., discounts, offers, earning potential, etc.) and well-known brands.
Keep in mind that other promotional methods are possible. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware distribution. Malicious programs are usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files.
Prevalent distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, social media posts, etc.), dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. Software should be researched prior to downloading or purchasing by reading terms and user/expert reviews, checking required permissions, and verifying developer legitimacy. Programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
Additionally, we advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
We must stress 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.
Screenshot of a fake Google Play Store webpage promoting PlayPraetor trojan:
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 PlayPraetor malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal seldom necessitates formatting.
What are the biggest issues that PlayPraetor malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the attackers' goals. PlayPraetor is a multi-functional malware that has several data-stealing functionalities. Generally, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of PlayPraetor malware?
Malware is primarily used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also use it to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did PlayPraetor malware infiltrate my Android device?
PlayPraetor has been spread through fake Google Play websites, which were promoted via Meta ads and posts, SMSes, and typosquatting. Other distribution techniques are not unlikely.
Malware is commonly spread through drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam mail, pirated software/media, illegal activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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