How to avoid being fooled by fake Android system notifications?

When using a mobile device, you often see system messages randomly popping up, but be cautious because there are lots of malware generated spam phones to display such notifications, this is a New types of attacks appear recently. According to reports, about 60,000 Android users were tricked by a fake system message, which looks like an authentication message.

When the malware is on the victim's phone, it searches for the phone model name information. Once this information has been obtained, it displays a system notification, saying that the phone battery may be affected by the memory load and especially associated with the phone model, making it seem more authentic. Then, provide an application for users to download to solve the problem.

The pop-up message has two buttons ' Install ' or ' Cancel '. No matter which button the user chooses, malware redirects them to the Google Play confirmation app to help increase battery life.

This app comes with many strange rights for a battery application like reading SMS messages, pairing with another Bluetooth device and full network access. If the user still believes in this application and installs it, the application is able to send data from these rights. In addition, you also install click ads in the background to generate revenue for hackers.

Oddly enough, besides its harmful side, this battery optimization app has really done what it has advertised. This means that the developer is free or the source site acquires the basic application, then grows to add malicious payloads into. The application has been removed from the Google Play store.

What to do to avoid these fake notifications?

Smart users can identify many steps in the attack process and stop it before causing damage to the device.

Avoid seemingly shady websites and applications

To begin with, the best way to avoid this type of attack is to not install suspicious applications on your phone. You should be careful when installing applications and accessing websites. To be more careful, you can use antivirus applications for Android to help protect you from malware.

Be cautious with pop-up windows

When a window pops up, appears for the first time, you should stop and read it before pressing any button to make sure it's not tricked.

Check the application before installing

Sometimes the phone manufacturer will suggest legitimate applications for you to download on the Google Play store. There are a number of ways you can determine the security of these proposed applications to check the developer name. For example, this application was developed by Motorola, developed by Motorola Mobility LLC.

1. Protect Android devices by sending unspecified applications to Google

Ask the phone developer

If you are still in doubt, you can contact the phone developer to make sure the notification is true. You can contact via the online support forum to send a screenshot of the notification, verify its authenticity. You can also call the support line for a faster response.

Hackers are increasingly using more discreet methods to attack users, and you can easily fall into their trap without realizing it. Even if users are tricked into downloading software that contains malware it still does the job they advertise and comes with unwanted additional features.

See more:

1. How to remove malicious software (malware) on Android applications?
2. 3 signs that your Android device is attacked by a virus
3. How to check if your Android phone is infected with Android Gooligan malware?