How to remove the malicious RedAlert app version

What is Trojanized RedAlert Application?

The Trojanized version of the RedAlert app looks like the real app, but it secretly injects spyware on the device. It is distributed via SMS phishing (smishing) messages instructing recipients to download an urgent update. The purpose of the malicious application version is to collect sensitive personal and location data.

Trojanized RedAlert Application in detail

When the malicious Red Alert is launched on a device, it looks and operates similarly to the real app. The interface is the same, and it even shows real rocket attack alerts, so users do not suspect anything. The main difference appears when the app is opened for the first time.

The real app only asks for notification permission to send alerts. The malicious app requests additional permissions, such as access to contacts, SMS messages, and location. These permissions are not needed for rocket alerts, but the fake app claims they are. If granted, the malware can collect personal information and monitor the device.

After the malicious Red Alert app starts, it runs in the background and constantly checks which permissions the user has given. It does not wait for all permissions, and if at least one permission is granted, it starts collecting data linked to that permission.

The malicious app gathers personal information, such as SMS messages, contacts, and GPS location data, and automatically sends it to the attackers' servers. If cybercriminals collect this data, victims could encounter serious issues. If their personal messages and contacts are exposed, they may experience consequences such as identity theft or targeted scams.

Real-time location tracking puts victims at physical risk, especially during conflicts or targeted attacks. Additionally, access to SMS can allow attackers to bypass two-factor authentication. This can lead to account hijacking and related issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the malicious Red Alert app masquerades as the real app to steal sensitive data. Victims risk having their personal information, messages, contacts, and location exposed, which can lead to identity theft, scams, or other harm. If the fake app is installed, it should be removed immediately.

More examples of malware targeting Android devices are Oblivion RAT, ZeroDayRAT, and Arsink.

How did Trojanized RedAlert Application infiltrate my device?

Cybercriminals send deceptive text messages (SMS) that appear to be official alerts from Israel's Home Front Command, telling users to update their Red Alert app. These messages contain a link that downloads a malicious file instead of the real app. When users click the link and install the file outside of the Google Play Store (this method is called sideloading), the fake (Trojanized) app installs on their device.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Make sure only to download apps from official pages or trusted app stores, and ensure your operating system and programs are regularly updated. Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages, especially those containing links or files, and avoid opening them. Reject notification requests from dubious websites.

Do not click on suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links while browsing. Finally, run routine scans with reliable security software to identify and remove potential threats.

Fake RedAlert app requests permissions (source:cloudsek.com):

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 a malicious version of the RedAlert app, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting the device can remove the malicious RedAlert app, but it should be used only as a last resort since it deletes all data. It is recommended to first run a full system scan with a trusted security app (like Combo Cleaner) to eliminate the malware.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can lead to various problems, such as giving attackers remote access to your device, stealing personal information, installing other harmful programs, corrupting or deleting files, and slowing down device performance.

What is the purpose of the malicious RedAlert app?

The malicious RedAlert app collects SMS messages, contacts, and real-time location data, and sends this information to attackers.

How did the malicious RedAlert version infiltrate my device?

The malicious RedAlert app likely got onto your device through a fake update link sent via SMS (smishing). The message pretended to be from an official source and urged you to download an urgent update. Clicking the link installed a malicious APK outside the Google Play Store, which looked like the real app but contained spyware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. However, because some advanced threats may hide deep within the system, it is recommended to run a full system scan to ensure all malware is identified and removed.