What is FluBot Malware (Android)

FluBot Malware (Android) is a very dangerous malware infection that affects Android devices. It has recently started spreading at an alarming rate, with thousands of people, particularly in Australia and Europe, reporting to authorities that they have become victims. The malware is distributed via text messages with links that lead to the download, and once installed, the malware requests various permissions and attempts to steal both personal and financial information. As far as distribution goes, it’s pretty typical and low-effort but the actual malware is quite sophisticated. FluBot Malware

The malware, while first noticed to be spreading via SMS messages in early August, has recently made the news due to how widespread it has become in Australia and Europe. According to the media, thousands of Australians have recently received these malicious messages, with one person reportedly losing $4000.

The malware is pretty stealthy which makes it difficult for users to notice it installed on their devices. However, if you recall receiving a suspicious SMS claiming that you have a new voice message, clicked on the link, and installed the “app”, you need to act immediately. The first course of action is to secure all your accounts using a malware-free device. You also need to remove FluBot Malware (Android) as soon as possible, either using an anti-virus app or by taking the infected device to a professional.

FluBot Malware (Android) distribution methods

The malware seems to be spreading quite quickly, or at least it’s trying to. It’s mainly distributed via text messages that claim users have a new voicemail. Users have reported that they have received numerous messages on the same day, all from different numbers. The text message contains a link to the supposed voice message, which if clicked would direct users to an app called Voicemail71.APK. Downloading the app would infect the device with malware. There are also other “apps” that users are asked to download instead of Voicemail71.APK.

The messages distributing FluBot Malware all have very obvious grammar mistakes, which indicates that they are deliberate. Cybercriminals often use this technique to weed out users who may be less likely to fall for whatever the scam does next. Even if more suspicious users end up downloading this malicious app, they may quickly realize what’s going on and promptly get rid of it, not allowing malicious actors to steal anything.

For future reference, you should never click on links in text messages, even if they appear to come from safe phone numbers. Malicious actors use various techniques to make their messages appear like they’re coming from legitimate senders, which is why you should always be very careful. Keep in mind that your bank, government agency, delivery service, etc., will never send text messages that contain links, as that is considered to be an unsafe practice due to the misuse by malicious actors.

What does the malware do?

While the distribution method is rather basic and low-effort, the actual scam is rather sophisticated. When users click on the link and the download is complete, the installation process will request various permissions for the app, including write/read/send SMS messages, read contacts, start phone calls, keep the device awake, etc. The FluBot malware receives commands from a Command and Control (C&C) server and can be commanded to open URLs, upload SMS messages, uninstall apps, extract the contact list, and even disable Google Play Protect. And considering that it’s primarily a banking trojan, it can also display fake windows asking to provide banking information and credit card details.

Considering the trojan’s capabilities and stealth, it can be difficult to notice once it’s already installed. And while you go about your regular smartphone use, the malware would be stealing your login credentials, personal as well as banking information. The way it does that is by displaying fake login and other similar pages. For example, when you’re trying to log in to your online bank account, the malware could display a fake login window, and if you type in your login credentials and codes, they would be sent to the malicious actors behind this scam. The same applies to other personal information.

If malicious actors are successful in stealing personal and financial information, they can do a lot of damage. Cybercriminals could steal victim’s identities and their money.

FluBot Malware (Android) removal

Considering that it’s a very serious malware infection, you need to remove FluBot Malware (Android) immediately. If you recall clicking on a questionable text message that led to you downloading some app, you need to install a security app to scan your device. If you do not feel confident you can delete FluBot Malware (Android) yourself, take your device to professionals who will do it for you.

It should also be said that removing the malware is not the only thing you need to do. Since the malware is capable of recording passwords, assume that every password you have entered since the malware infection has been stolen. You need to change all your passwords immediately but make sure to do it on a clean device. If you have accessed your online bank account or typed in your payment card details, you need to contact your bank and monitor all your transactions for anything suspicious.

Offers

More information about SpyWarrior and Uninstall Instructions. Please review SpyWarrior EULA and Privacy Policy. SpyWarrior scanner is free. If it detects a malware, purchase its full version to remove it.

  • WiperSoft Review Details WiperSoft (www.wipersoft.com) is a security tool that provides real-time security from potential threats. Nowadays, many users tend to download free software from the Intern ...

    Download|more
  • Is MacKeeper a virus? MacKeeper is not a virus, nor is it a scam. While there are various opinions about the program on the Internet, a lot of the people who so notoriously hate the program have neve ...

    Download|more
  • While the creators of MalwareBytes anti-malware have not been in this business for long time, they make up for it with their enthusiastic approach. Statistic from such websites like CNET shows that th ...

    Download|more

Quick Menu

Step 1. Uninstall FluBot Malware and related programs.

Remove FluBot Malware from Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel choose Programs and Features and select to Uninstall a software.

Delete FluBot Malware from Windows 8

Uninstall FluBot Malware from Windows 7

Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features → Uninstall a program.

Uninstall FluBot Malware from Windows 7

Delete FluBot Malware from Windows XP

Click Start → Settings → Control Panel. Locate and click → Add or Remove Programs.

Remove FluBot Malware from Windows XP

Remove FluBot Malware from Mac OS X

Click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications. Select applications folder and look for FluBot Malware or any other suspicious software. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash, then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

FluBot Malware removal from MAC OS X

Step 2. Delete FluBot Malware from your browsers

Terminate the unwanted extensions from Internet Explorer
  1. Tap the Gear icon and go to Manage Add-ons. FluBot Malware IE gear
  2. Pick Toolbars and Extensions and eliminate all suspicious entries (other than Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Oracle or Adobe) FluBot Malware IE toolbars and extensions
  3. Leave the window.
Change Internet Explorer homepage if it was changed by virus:
  1. Tap the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of your browser and click Internet Options. FluBot Malware IE gear
  2. In General Tab remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Press Apply to save changes. FluBot Malware IE toolbars and extensions
Reset your browser
  1. Click the Gear icon and move to Internet Options. FluBot Malware IE options
  2. Open the Advanced tab and press Reset. FluBot Malware IE reset browser
  3. Choose Delete personal settings and pick Reset one more time. FluBot Malware IE reset
  4. Tap Close and leave your browser. FluBot Malware IE close
  5. If you were unable to reset your browsers, employ a reputable anti-malware and scan your entire computer with it.
Erase FluBot Malware from Google Chrome
  1. Access menu (top right corner of the window) and pick Settings. FluBot Malware Chrome menu
  2. Choose Extensions. FluBot Malware Chrome settings
  3. Eliminate the suspicious extensions from the list by clicking the Trash bin next to them. FluBot Malware Chrome extensions remove
  4. If you are unsure which extensions to remove, you can disable them temporarily. FluBot Malware Chrome extensions disable
Reset Google Chrome homepage and default search engine if it was hijacker by virus
  1. Press on menu icon and click Settings. FluBot Malware Chrome menu
  2. Look for the “Open a specific page” or “Set Pages” under “On start up” option and click on Set pages. FluBot Malware Chrome settings
  3. In another window remove malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage. FluBot Malware Chrome extensions remove
  4. Under the Search section choose Manage Search engines. When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search websites. You should leave only Google or your preferred search name. FluBot Malware Chrome extensions disable
    FluBot Malware Chrome extensions disable
Reset your browser
  1. If the browser still does not work the way you prefer, you can reset its settings.
  2. Open menu and navigate to Settings. FluBot Malware Chrome settings more
  3. Press Reset button at the end of the page. FluBot Malware Chrome advanced menu
  4. Tap Reset button one more time in the confirmation box. FluBot Malware Chrome reset
  5. If you cannot reset the settings, purchase a legitimate anti-malware and scan your PC.
Remove FluBot Malware from Mozilla Firefox
  1. In the top right corner of the screen, press menu and choose Add-ons (or tap Ctrl+Shift+A simultaneously). FluBot Malware Firefox add ons
  2. Move to Extensions and Add-ons list and uninstall all suspicious and unknown entries. FluBot Malware Firefox extensions
Change Mozilla Firefox homepage if it was changed by virus:
  1. Tap on the menu (top right corner), choose Options. FluBot Malware Firefox reset confirm
  2. On General tab delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default. FluBot Malware Firefox reset confirm
  3. Press OK to save these changes.
Reset your browser
  1. Open the menu and tap Help button. FluBot Malware Firefox help
  2. Select Troubleshooting Information. FluBot Malware Firefox troubleshooting
  3. Press Refresh Firefox. FluBot Malware Firefox reset
  4. In the confirmation box, click Refresh Firefox once more. FluBot Malware Firefox reset confirm
  5. If you are unable to reset Mozilla Firefox, scan your entire computer with a trustworthy anti-malware.
Uninstall FluBot Malware from Safari (Mac OS X)
  1. Access the menu.
  2. Pick Preferences. FluBot Malware Safari menu
  3. Go to the Extensions Tab. FluBot Malware Safari extensions
  4. Tap the Uninstall button next to the undesirable FluBot Malware and get rid of all the other unknown entries as well. If you are unsure whether the extension is reliable or not, simply uncheck the Enable box in order to disable it temporarily.
  5. Restart Safari.
Reset your browser
  1. Tap the menu icon and choose Reset Safari. FluBot Malware Safari reset menu
  2. Pick the options which you want to reset (often all of them are preselected) and press Reset. FluBot Malware Safari reset
  3. If you cannot reset the browser, scan your whole PC with an authentic malware removal software.

Site Disclaimer

2-remove-virus.com is not sponsored, owned, affiliated, or linked to malware developers or distributors that are referenced in this article. The article does not promote or endorse any type of malware. We aim at providing useful information that will help computer users to detect and eliminate the unwanted malicious programs from their computers. This can be done manually by following the instructions presented in the article or automatically by implementing the suggested anti-malware tools.

The article is only meant to be used for educational purposes. If you follow the instructions given in the article, you agree to be contracted by the disclaimer. We do not guarantee that the artcile will present you with a solution that removes the malign threats completely. Malware changes constantly, which is why, in some cases, it may be difficult to clean the computer fully by using only the manual removal instructions.

Leave a Reply