How to remove BirdCall from Android devices

What kind of malware BirdCall?

BirdCall is malware classified as a backdoor. It targets Android users and is delivered using a compromised gaming platform. It is known that BirdCall was previously used in attacks targeting Windows users. BirdCall is mainly used to steal information and is capable of executing commands. If detected on a device, the backdoor should be removed immediately.

BirdCall in detail

BirdCall allows cybercriminals to take pictures of the victim's screen. This lets them obtain sensitive information, messages, documents, or activities happening on the device. Furthermore, the malware can log keystrokes. This feature records what the victim types on their keyboard. Attackers can use this to steal passwords, usernames, messages, and other confidential information.

Also, cybercriminals can use BirdCall to steal clipboard content. This feature enables the malware to monitor and steal anything copied to the clipboard. This may include passwords, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, sensitive text, etc. Furthermore, BirdCall can execute shell commands.

Shell command execution allows cybercriminals to run commands on the infected device remotely. This feature may be used to deploy additional payloads (infect devices with other malware), delete apps, change settings, upload or download files, or perform other actions.

BirdCall is also capable of gathering other data, which may include system details, contacts, messages, and other personal or sensitive data. The malware uses legitimate cloud services like Dropbox and pCloud for command-and-control (C2). It means that malicious traffic is less likely to appear suspicious or get blocked.

Conclusion

BirdCall is a backdoor used to monitor victims and steal sensitive information. Its ability to target both Windows and Android devices, combined with stealthy communication through trusted cloud services, makes it a serious cyber threat. Infected devices should be scanned using a reliable security tool immediately.

More examples of Android malware are Perseus, BeatBanker, and Massiv.

How did BirdCall infiltrate my device?

Devices become infected when users download and install game software from a compromised website (sqgame[.]net), a gaming platform. Cybercriminals use modified legitimate Android game APKs that include the BirdCall backdoor malware. On Android, infection happens after victims download trojanized game APK files and launch them.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Users should keep their operating systems and applications up to date and use trusted security software. It is also advisable to avoid clicking suspicious ads or pop-ups on unreliable websites. Email attachments and links should also be treated with caution, especially if the message comes from an unknown sender or appears unrelated.

Software should be obtained only from official websites and legitimate app stores. Pirated apps, cracking tools, and key generators should never be trusted.

Compromised website (sqgame[.]net) hosting infected games:

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

This action fully eliminates BirdCall from the device, but it also deletes all stored filesand other data. Because of this, using a reliable security tool such as Combo Cleaner is generally recommended before resorting to this option.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Cybercriminals can use malicious software for various purposes, including encrypting files, stealing confidential information, or installing additional threats. As a result, victims can suffer financial losses, identity theft, data loss, and further system infections.

What is the purpose of BirdCall?

BirdCall can capture screenshots and clipboard contents, log keystrokes, execute commands, and gathering other personal information (e.g., SMS or system details).

How did BirdCall infiltrate my device?

BirdCall infections are mainly spread through a compromised gaming platform called sqgame[.]net. Devices become infected after downloading and installing trojanized Android game apps that contain the malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can identify and remove the majority of infections. More advanced threats may hide deep in the system and evade detection. That is why running a complete system scan is important.