Harmful Android Adware Renders Phones Useless – Tips to Stay Safe

This unwanted advertising on Android can make phones unusable—here's how to ensure your safety.

The Return of Adware MobiDash

As an information security professional, I’ve frequently highlighted the risks posed by malwares and banking trojans. Today, let’s delve into another mobile threat haunting us since 2015: the MobiDash adware.

Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity firm, recently outlined the resurgence of MobiDash. This adware cleverly embeds itself within legitimate Android applications without altering their functions. Unsuspecting users experience a barrage of unwanted ads, unaware of the adware running in the background.

How MobiDash Operates

MobiDash’s operation is straightforward yet effective. Imagine downloading a flashlight app. It functions as expected, but simultaneously, the embedded adware starts displaying ads on your screen. Moreover, MobiDash often waits several days before activating on an infected phone, making it hard to detect, especially if you’ve recently installed multiple new apps.

How MobiDash Spreads

According to Malwarebytes’ ThreatDown platform, MobiDash primarily spreads through email phishing and social media links. Users who click on a link in a screenshot find themselves redirected to an APK file that downloads automatically onto their phone.

How to Protect Against MobiDash

Fortunately, safeguarding against this threat is relatively simple. Avoid installing apps from sources outside of official stores like the Google Play Store, Samsung Galaxy Store, or Amazon Appstore. Never download an APK file that appears randomly on your smartphone. Also, ensure that Google Play Protect is enabled to scan new and existing apps on your device.

In conclusion, always be vigilant when installing applications and steer clear of unknown sources. MobiDash remains a persistent threat, and it’s likely we’ll continue to see its impact.