A new malicious application disguised as an ad blocker is trying to trick Android users . The new strain of the Fobus malware appears to be a variant of the well-known ad-blocking extension Adblock Plus.
Many Android developers who offer free apps in an attempt to cover their costs and make some financial profit insert various advertisements. This can sometimes become annoying, especially in games, which is why many users look for an ad blocking tool.
Security researchers from Avast who analyzed the new Fobus variant discovered that in addition to the suspicious permissions it requests during installation, which should make users suspicious, such as making phone calls and sending messages to services that cost money, it is also extremely difficult to remove from the device.
According to the researchers, the malware locks the device very quickly whenever it senses that the user is trying to turn it off. Any attempt to turn it off must be made with lightning-fast movements, during which the user will see a fake bullying message appear in order to stop.
Another alternative is to use third-party software, such as an antivirus product that includes the necessary procedures to eliminate the application from the system.
