How to remove RatOn malware from your Android device

What kind of malware is RatOn?

RatOn is a piece of malicious software that targets Android devices. It is classified as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). RatOn has been around since at least the summer of 2025.

This trojan is capable of controlling devices remotely, performing automated money transfers and NFC relay attacks, stealing cryptowallets, and operating as ransomware. RatOn has been used in campaigns targeting Czech and Slovak users.

RatOn malware overview

RatOn infiltrates systems through a multi-stage infection chain and requires various permissions. To expand some on the infection chain, the first stage involves a dropper that acts as a third-party software installer. It asks permission to install apps from third-parties.

During the infiltration process, two key permissions are obtained: access to Device Admin privileges and the Android Accessibility Services. The latter is a service intended to provide additional aid with device interaction to users who require it. Accessibility Services have a variety of features, such as reading the screen, performing gestures (e.g., swipes, long/short taps, etc.), simulating the touchscreen, interacting with the keyboard, and so on.

Another set of permissions that the chain needs includes: managing system settings and reading/writing contacts. Yet any subsequent permissions sought are granted automatically by abusing the Android Accessibility Services.

RatOn infections can also have a third stage wherein another payload – the NFSkate malware – is introduced into the system. NFSkate is capable of carrying out NFC relay attacks.

RatOn is a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) – a type of malware that allows attackers to remotely access and control infected machines. It can also perform NFC relay attacks, which typically entail extensive social engineering. The attacks require victims to interact with their credit/debit cards and provide their PIN codes.

The malware prepares the system to send NFC (Near-Field Communication) to the attackers' device – thus establishing a channel between the devices. The purpose is to allow the cyber criminals to use victims' cards to withdraw cash from ATMs or make contactless payments at payment terminals.

RatOn can perform two types of overlay attacks via WebView: using content written in the HTML markup language or a URL that hosts an HTML page including JavaScript. Basically, these attacks involve overlaying genuine applications with fake phishing screens/pages that record provided data. Overlays can appear as identical copies of sign-in pages, registration forms, payment pages, etc.

The single known overlay template used by RatOn is a ransom note in Czech and English. It is believed that this could be used for screen-locking ransomware purposes or to obtain sensitive data (like cryptocurrency wallet log-in credentials) by forcing users into opening related applications.

This RAT targets digital wallets – Blockchain Android Wallet, MetaMask, Phantom, and Trust (potentially others). As of the time of writing, the malware is configured to steal four language versions of the wallets – English, Czech, Slovak, and Russian. The process can work as follows: RatOn launches the wallet app, accesses it with previously obtained credentials, makes changes to the cryptowallet's security settings, and finally acquires its passphrase (typically via keylogging – keystroke recording).

Additionally, this trojan can carry out automated money transfers through the abuse of the Accessibility Services. It has been noted performing such transfers via George – the app of Česká spořitelna (Czech Savings Bank). RatOn can open the application, perform clicks and other interactions, check/change the daily transfer limit, provide PIN codes, and enter receiver details – thereby carrying out transactions without any user interaction.

Aside from the functions mentioned, RatOn can perform these commands: obtain installed app list, change targeted app list, live-stream/record the device's screen, open a specific app, wake up the device, modify when a device goes to sleep, lock the device (by abusing Device Admin access), disable device unlocking through biometrics (to force using a different method), set device unlocking method to "expired" (to pressure users into changing it, then record the new pattern/PIN/password), obtain victim's name (by extracting it from the associated Google account), create new contacts, download/play MP3 file, change ringtone, display fake notifications, send SMSes (could be used as Toll Fraud malware), replace clipboard content (could be used as a clipper), open benign URLs, and increase/decrease screen brightness.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like RatOn on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.

Examples of Android-specific remote access trojans

We have written about numerous malicious programs; RedHook, Asur, Crocodilus, and G700 are merely some of our newest articles on Android-targeting RATs.

Remote access trojans tend to be incredibly multi-functional and can be used for a variety of malicious purposes. Yet regardless of how versatile a piece of malicious software is – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did RatOn infiltrate my device?

The RatOn campaigns targeting Czech and Slovak speakers were facilitated through adult-oriented sites. Known domains included "TikTok18+", yet other variants are possible. The malicious webpages hosted the dropper used in the first stage of RatOn infections.

It is currently unknown how the websites were promoted. Generally, such pages are endorsed via malvertising (intrusive ads), websites utilizing rogue advertising networks (redirects), spam (e.g., emails, social media/ forum posts, PMsDMs, browser notifications, SMSes, etc.), typosquatting (misspelled URLs), and adware.

Other distribution techniques are not unlikely. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware proliferation. Malicious software is usually disguised as or bundled with regular programs/media.

The most widespread distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), malvertising, online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend being vigilant when browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

Another recommendation is to download only well-researched content from official and verified sources. Programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.

It is paramount to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and remove detected threats and issues.

Quick menu:

• Introduction
• How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
• How to reset the Chrome web browser?
• How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
• How to reset the Firefox web browser?
• How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
• How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
• How to check the battery usage of various applications?
• How to check the data usage of various applications?
• How to install the latest software updates?
• How to reset the system to its default state?
• How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?

Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:

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

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:

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

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

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:

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

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

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:

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

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:

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".

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

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Reset the Firefox web browser:

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

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

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:

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

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").

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:

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Android device is infected with RatOn malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that RatOn malware can cause?

The dangers linked to an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. RatOn is a remote access trojan that can perform automated money transfers and NFC relay attacks, steal digital wallets, and operate as ransomware. Hence, this malware can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of RatOn malware?

Malware is primarily used for financial gain, and many of RatOn's abilities are geared towards this goal. It is noteworthy that malware is also often used to amuse the attackers or realize their personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch political/geopolitical attacks.

How did RatOn malware infiltrate my Android device?

RatOn has been spread through fake adult-only TikTok websites. However, it could be proliferated using other methods as well. Malware is commonly spread via drive-by downloads, spam, malvertising, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. Remember that high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems – therefore, performing a complete system scan is essential.