How to eliminate BeatBanker from Android devices

What kind of malware is BeatBanker?

BeatBanker is Android malware distributed via fake websites disguised as the Google Play Store. It operates as a banking Trojan that hijacks devices and spoofs screens, and as a cryptocurrency miner. If detected on a device, BeatBanker should be removed as soon as possible to prevent financial losses and other consequences.

BeatBanker overview

When BeatBanker malware first runs, it checks basic network details, such as the device's IP address, whether the device is a mobile phone, whether the user is using a VPN, and other related network information. Instead of saving its malicious code as files on the phone, BeatBanker loads the code directly into the device's memory.

Because no files are written to the device, it is harder for security apps to detect BeatBanker. Furthermore, the malware checks whether it is running in a test or analysis environment (e.g., an emulator). If it detects one, it immediately shuts itself down to avoid being analyzed.

After that, BeatBanker shows a fake page that looks like the Google Play Store for INSS Reembolso, claiming an update is available. When the victim taps "Update", the malware asks for permission to install apps and downloads hidden malicious components. Instead of using the real Google Play Store, it installs these files directly using special permissions.

In order to remain active, the malware keeps a fake system update notification on the screen and runs a foreground service with silent media playback, which helps prevent the system from stopping it. Furthermore, when the victim clicks "Update" on the fake Google Play Store screen, the malware secretly downloads a file that contains cryptomining software.

The downloaded cryptominer (a modified version of XMRig) uses the victim's phone CPU to mine cryptocurrency for the attackers. BeatBanker can check the phone's battery, temperature, and user activity to decide when to run or stop the crypto miner.

Banking Module

BeatBanker uses a banking Trojan alongside the crypto miner. It attempts to trick the victim into giving accessibility permissions, which lets cybercriminals to control the device's interface. The malware checks which apps are open and targets Binance and Trust Wallet (it focuses on USDT transactions).

When the victim tries to send funds, it overlays the transaction screen with a fake page and secretly changes the recipient address to the operator's. When such techniques are used, cybercriminals seek to trick victims into believing that they are sending crypto to the address they provided, but the crypto is actually sent to threat actors.

Moreover, BeatBanker's banking module checks if Brave, Chrome, Dolphin Browser, DuckDuckGo, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and sBrowser are installed. It then collects the websites the victim visits and can manage saved links in the default browser (add, edit, delete, list) and open links provided by the attackers.

Supported Commands

BeatBanker can receive commands from the C2 server and perform various malicious actions on the infected device. It can show fake software updates, lock the screen, grab data from the clipboard, list audio recordings (and send them to cybercriminals), open links in browsers, update login credentials, and send SMS.

Moreover, it can wipe all data (perform a factory reset), delete files, or uninstall itself. BeatBanker can also record what the user types, read text from the screen, capture screenshots, and stream the screen in real time. Additionally, it can monitor apps, block or allow applications through a built‑in firewall, create persistent notifications, and control a VPN connection.

It is important to note that BeatBanker can request various permissions, such as accessibility access, the ability to draw over other apps, and permission to install apps from unknown sources. With these permissions, it can automatically tap or swipe on the screen, open links, run USSD codes, and install additional apps.

New variant

There is a new BeatBanker variant, disguised as a fake StarLink app, that is also targeting Android users. This version also includes a crypto miner, but it does not install the banking Trojan. Instead, it drops the BTMOB remote administration Trojan (RAT). BTMOB lets attackers fully control infected devices and is sold as Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS).

Conclusion

BeatBanker is an Android malware that can mine cryptocurrency, steal banking information, and allow remote control of devices. It uses persistent techniques and hidden permissions to remain undetected while collecting sensitive data and monitoring user activity. Some variants also install BTMOB, giving attackers full access and long-term control of infected devices.

More examples of malware targeting Android devices are Massiv, PromptSpy, and Oblivion.

How did BeatBanker infiltrate my device?

BeatBanker infects devices through a fake website that looks like the Google Play Store. Users are tricked into installing a malicious app disguised as INSS Reembolso or some another fake government app. A device becomes infected when the user installs a fake app. Once active, BeatBanker downloads additional components, like a crypto miner.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Keep your operating system and apps up to date, and only download software from trusted sources, such as official websites or app stores. Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages and do not click on links or open attachments unless you are sure they are safe.

While browsing, do not click on pop-ups, ads, or links on shady websites, and decline notification requests from untrustworthy sites. Regularly scan your device with reliable security software to detect and remove any potential threats.

BeatBanker's administration panel (source: securelist.com):

Overlays displayed by BeatBanker (source: securelist.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".

[Back to Table of Contents]

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).

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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".

[Back to Table of Contents]

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".

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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".

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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.

[Back to Table of Contents]

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;

[Back to Table of Contents]

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 BeatBanker malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

This action will remove BeatBanker, but it will also erase all data from the device, so it should only be used as a last option. Before doing this, it is recommended to run a complete scan with trusted security software, such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can slow down a device, cause system crashes, delete or encrypt files, and install additional malicious programs. It may also steal personal information, give attackers remote access to the system, and perform other malicious actions.

What is the purpose of BeatBanker?

The purpose of BeatBanker is to steal cryptocurrency, mine cryptocurrency using the victim's device, and give attackers remote control of the infected device.

How did BeatBanker infiltrate my device?

BeatBanker usually infiltrates a device when a user downloads and installs a fake application from an unofficial Google Play Store website. These apps often pretend to be legitimate services and use fake updates to trick the user into granting permissions. Once installed, the malware runs in the background and downloads additional malicious components.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove many known types of malware. Nevertheless, some advanced threats can hide deep in the system, so performing a full system scan is recommended.