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How to remove Hook malware from a device

Also Known As: Hook banking malware
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is Hook?

Hook (also known as Hookbot) is a banking malware targeting Android users. Hook allows cybercriminals to remotely interact with the infected device's screen, exfiltrate files, steal seed phrases from cryptocurrency wallets, perform overlay attacks, and more. Hook malware should be removed from infected devices immediately.

Hook android malware

Hook malware overview

Hook has Remote Access Tool capabilities that are implemented using Accessibility Services. It can perform a full device takeover (DTO). This feature enables threat actors to perform a wide range of malicious activities.

Hook's RAT module allows threat actors to perform specific swipe gestures, take screenshots, simulate clicks at specific text items, simulate key presses, unlock device scroll up and down, simulate long press events, start and remove specified applications, enable call forwarding, send text messages, open specified URLs, and more.

Also, Hook can be used to retrieve a list of files stored on the infected device and download specific files. Furthermore, this malware can extract seed phrases from Bitcoin, Trust, Mycelium, Blockchain, Samourai, Coinbase, MetaMask, and SafePal cryptocurrency wallets.

Additionally, Hook can be used to open WhatsApp, log and send messages via this application, and receive the victim's geolocation. Other capabilities include SMS interception, contact harvesting, call control, 2FA and email stealing, keylogging, antivirus evasion, and removal prevention.

As mentioned in the introduction, Hook can perform overlay attacks. It can display fake windows over legitimate apps. This feature is used to steal sensitive information (e.g., to trick users into entering login information on fake login forms).

It targets a large number of various banking apps (e.g., HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Inbank, and Barclays banking apps) and social apps (e.g., Snapchat, Airbnb, Netflix, WeChat, Tinder, Telegram, and other apps).

Threat Summary:
Name Hook banking malware
Threat Type Android malware, Spyware, Remote Access Trojan
Detection Names Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), BitDefenderFalx (Android.Trojan.Banker.ACJ), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/TrojanDropper.Agent.KNJ), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Boogr.gsh), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites, push notifications are delivered, calls are forwarded to unknown numbers.
Distribution methods Fake Chrome browers distributed using Telegram, phishing campaigns, and possibly dropper apps on Google Play.
Damage Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, credit card details, files, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity, hijacked online accounts.
Malware Removal (Android)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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Possible damage

Having a powerful Android malware allowing threat actors to steal various sensitive information that could be used to steal money, online accounts, identities, etc. Also, Hook can be used to trick other users into infecting their devices (and providing information, sending money, etc.). Thus, it must be removed from the infected device as soon as possible.

More examples of Android malware are Pegasus, GodFather, and BrasDex.

How did Hook infiltrate my device?

Hook masquerades as the Google Chrome web browser and possibly other apps to lure unsuspecting users into downloading malware. It is likely that cybercriminals distribute Hook via phishing campaigns, Telegram channels, or use Google Play Store to trick users into installing dropper apps.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Read reviews of applications before downloading them. Do not download apps from questionable sources. Download them from official websites and stores only. Avoid clicking suspicious links received via email or SMS. Keep the Google Play Protect always enabled and all installed apps updated. Do not trust advertisements on shady websites. Use reputed antivirus software.

Examples of Hook malware's activity (image source: Urząd Komisji Nadzoru Finansowego):

Screen overlay in various banking apps:

Hook malware screen overlay

Impersonating social networks:

Hook malware impersonating social networks

Impersonating various applications:

Hook malware impersonating various applications

Quick menu:

Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:

Deleting web browsing history from Chrome in Android operating system (step 1)

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Deleting web browsing history from Chrome in Android operating system (step 2)

Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".

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Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:

Disabling browser notifications in the Chrome browser in Android operating system (step 1)

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.

Disabling browser notifications in the Chrome browser in Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.

Disabling browser notifications in the Chrome browser in Android operating system (step 3)

Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).

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Reset the Chrome web browser:

Resetting Chrome browser to default in Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Resetting Chrome browser to default in Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Resetting Chrome browser to default in Android operating system (step 3)

Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:

Delete browsing history from the Firefox in the Android operating system (step 1)

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Delete browsing history from the Firefox in the Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".

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Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:

Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser in the Android operating system (step 1)

Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".

Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser in the Android operating system (step 2)

In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".

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Reset the Firefox web browser:

Resetting Firefox browser in the Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Resetting Firefox browser in the Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Resetting Firefox browser in the Android operating system (step 3)

Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:

Removing unwanted/malicious applications from the Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Removing unwanted/malicious applications from the Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".

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Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":

The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").

Booting Android device in Safe Mode

Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.

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Check the battery usage of various applications:

Checking the battery usage of various applications in the Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.

Checking the battery usage of various applications in the Android operating system (step 2)

Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.

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Check the data usage of various applications:

Checking data usage of various applications in the Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.

Checking data usage of various applications in the Android operating system (step 2)

Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.

Checking data usage of various applications in the Android operating system (step 3)

If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.

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Install the latest software updates:

Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.

Installing software updates in the Android operating system (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.

Installing software updates in the Android operating system (step 2)

Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.

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Reset the system to its default state:

Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.

You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.

Resetting the Android operating system to its default (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.

Resetting the Android operating system to its default (step 2)

Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;

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Disable applications that have administrator privileges:

If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.

Disabling Android applications that have administrator privileges (step 1)

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.

Disabling Android applications that have administrator privileges (step 2)

Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".

Disabling Android applications that have administrator privileges (step 3)

Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can be used to steal money and identities, hijack online accounts, make fraudulent purchases, encrypt files, inject additional malware, mine cryptocurrency, and more.

What is the purpose of Hook malware?

Hook is a banking malware with the capabilities of a Remote Access Trojan. It can perform overlay attacks, extract seed phrases from cryptocurrency wallets, log keystrokes, download files, open websites, and perform many other tasks. More information about the Hook malware is provided in our article above.

How did Hook malware infiltrate my computer?

It is known that Hook infects devices via fake Google Chrome browsers. Cybercriminals are using Telegram channels and phishing campaigns to trick users into infecting devices with Hook. Also, they may be using trojanized apps (droppers) on Google Play Store.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner removes malware from infected devices. It can detect almost all known malware. High-end malware usually hides deep in the system. Therefore, victims must run a full system scan to remove it.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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