HummingBad malware infects 10M Android phones; here's how to get rid of it

Jul 7, 2016 - 08:19
Jul 7, 2016 - 12:25
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HummingBad malware infects 10M Android phones; here's how to get rid of it
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: An attendee inspects the new Nexus 5X phone during a Google media event on September 29, 2015 in San Francisco, California. Google unveiled its 2015 smartphone lineup, the Nexus 5x and Nexus 6P, the new Chromecast and new

Bad news, Android users: A new type of malware has infected 10 million Android phones worldwide, including 288,800 in the United States. 

Here's what you need to know about HummingBad:

What is it? CNET reports that, according to Check Point Security, the software \"can take root in your phone, collecting your personal data and making it act like you've clicked on ads you haven't,\".

Is it on my phone? CNET suggests using security apps such as Check Point's Zone AlarmLookout Security & AntivirusAVG AntiVirus and Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus to detect whether the malware is on your device.

How do I delete it? Unless you're a cybersecurity expert, the only way to get rid of HummingBad is to do a factory reset, CNET reports.

How can I avoid it? \"Don't download apps from untrusted stores,\" says Dan Wiley, Check Point's head of incident response, told CNET. In other words, play it safe and stick to the Google Play store.

Read more here.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.