How to remove DroidLock from infected devices

What kind of malware is DroidLock?

DroidLock is Android malware that behaves much like ransomware. However, unlike typical ransomware, it does not encrypt files. The malware blocks victims from using their devices and can view or even delete different types of data. Cybercriminals utilize DroidLock to extort money from victims.

DroidLock in detail

It has been observed that cybercriminals behind DroidLock mainly target Spanish-speaking Android users. Once executed, DroidLock requests high-level permissions such as Device Admin and Accessibility Services, which give it control over the infected device. With these permissions, it can perform malicious actions.

DroidLock can use those permissions to block access to the system, change lock codes, erase data, capture information like biometric data, text messages, call history, contacts, and audio recordings. It can also exploit them to send notifications, display an overlay on the screen, mute the sound, launch the camera, uninstall apps, and reset the device to its factory settings.

It is essential to note that the overlays displayed by DroidLock appear on top of the targeted apps, which can include banking, messaging, and other applications. These overlays can be used to trick victims into entering login credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords) or other personal information.

Additionally, DroidLock can stop security or other apps from launching by managing the list of blocked package names. Overall, cybercriminals can use DroidLock to steal sensitive information and misuse it for malicious purposes, such as stealing identities and money or hijacking accounts. Another clear intention is to get money for the restored access to the device.

Ransom Note

The ransom note presented by the malware has a countdown and threatens that once the timer expires, all files on the device will be erased permanently. The message claims that the user's data will be destroyed and urges immediate contact through the provided email address (admin11m4ram@proton.me).

It instructs the victim to include their device ID and states that payment must be made within 24 hours. The note also urges not to involve law enforcement or use recovery tools.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DroidLock is a dangerous Android malware that operates like ransomware by locking victims’ devices and pressuring them to pay a ransom. While it does not encrypt files, it can access, steal, or even delete sensitive data, making it a serious threat to personal information.

More examples of Android malware are FvncBot, SeedSnatcher, and Sturnus.

How did DroidLock infiltrate my device?

Devices become infected with DroidLock when users are tricked into downloading apps from malicious websites that claim to offer legitimate software. The attack begins with a disguised installer that appears harmless but is designed to load a second, hidden component, DroidLock.

Once the fake app is opened, it delivers the main malicious payload through what appears to be a routine update. After that, it prompts the user to grant permissions such as Device Admin and Accessibility Services. With these permissions, the malware gains deep control over the system, allowing it to carry out its activities.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be cautious of links, pop‑ups, and advertisements that appear on untrusted or questionable websites, as they can lead to harmful downloads. Keep your device and its applications up to date, and use a reputable security tool to detect potential threats. Also, avoid opening files or links in messages (including emails) that seem irrelevant or unexpected.

Use the Google Play Store or official developer sites when downloading new apps, and look through user feedback to ensure they are legitimate.

Text in the ransom note displayed by DroidLock:

URGENT
LAST CHANCE

TIME REMAINING:
-
AFTER THIS, ALL FILES WILL BE DELETED FOREVER!

YOUR FILES WILL BE PERMANENTLY DESTROYED!

Contact us IMMEDIATELY at this email or lose everything forever:

admin11m4ram@proton.me

Include your device ID: -
Payment required within 24 hours
No police, no recovery tools, no tricks
EVERY SECOND COUNTS!

Screenshot of the loader app:

Screenshot of DroidLock posing as a legitimate app:

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

In most cases, you do not need to erase your entire device to get rid of malware. Threats like DroidLock can typically be removed using reliable security software, including antivirus or anti-malware tools like Combo Cleaner, without losing your personal data.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can carry out many harmful activities depending on its capabilities. It may give attackers the ability to control the device remotely, steal sensitive data, encrypt files, or inject additional malicious payloads.

What is the purpose of DroidLock?

The purpose of DroidLock is to take control of an Android device and extort money from the victim. It locks the screen, blocks access to the system, and displays a ransom message to pressure the victim into paying. Additionally, it can access various data and trick victims into entering personal details on fake forms.

How did DroidLock infiltrate my device?

DroidLock likely infiltrated your device through a deceptive app that you were tricked into installing. It spreads through harmful websites that promote fake or look‑alike applications pretending to be legitimate. The initial app acts as a dropper. Once installed, it downloads and activates the malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of identifying and eliminating most known malware. Because some sophisticated threats can hide deep in the system, it is essential to perform a complete system scan to ensure thorough removal.