New Android Malware Hijacks Phone Even When Its Off

New Android Malware Hijacks Phone Even When Its Off

HTC Shutdown

 

AVG mobile security team recently discovered a malware that hijacks your phone when you are switching it off. This malware is known as Power Off Hijack Malware named after process of shutdown hijack.

This malware functions during shutdown process and device remains functional even though it seems to have shut down properly. Behind the black screen this malware takes over your phone and can make calls, send messages and can even access your camera app.

Even android latest version Lollipop 5.0 is also affected with this malware and so do are the older version of android. Around 10000 devices have been affected so far and majorily are from China. Major reason of widespread is apps that are downloaded from stores other than Play Store.

Well this is a bad news for android users but we have a good news too. This malware only affects phones which have been Rooted while stock devices are not affected with this malware. To protect yourself from this malware please check whether your phone is rooted or not.

However if your is rooted than to protect your mobile from this hijack you just have to install AVG Mobile Antivirus.