How to get rid of BTMOB RAT Android malware

What kind of malware is BTMOB RAT?

BTMOB RAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan sold to cybercriminals under a malware-as-a-service model. It gives attackers broad control over infected devices, including the ability to steal data and spy on victims in real time. According to research by ESET, BTMOB RAT was first documented in February 2025.

BTMOB RAT malware overview

BTMOB RAT is a successor to an earlier Android threat known as SpySolr. It operates under a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model, meaning it is rented or sold to other criminals who then deploy it against victims. No programming skills are required to use it.

The malware abuses Android's Accessibility Services to gain elevated permissions without triggering additional prompts. Once active, BTMOB RAT can act on behalf of the user - reading screen content, tapping buttons, and granting itself further access silently.

BTMOB RAT can steal a wide range of sensitive data from an infected device. This includes contacts, call logs, SMS messages, and account credentials stored in apps. The malware can also capture screenshots and record ongoing on-device activity at any point.

Beyond passive surveillance, BTMOB RAT gives operators real-time remote control over the infected phone. They can open applications, navigate the interface, and monitor everything the victim does - all from a remote location. This level of access goes well beyond what most standard banking trojans offer.

The malware includes an APK builder interface that lets buyers generate fresh, customized malware samples without any coding knowledge. Campaigns can be tailored for specific regions, target audiences, or disguise names, making each deployment harder for security software to catch.

BTMOB RAT is offered for $700 per month, with lifetime licensing options also available. It is promoted openly on the surface web, through Telegram channels, and via social media accounts on X and Instagram. Free samples have also circulated on underground forums.

Campaigns observed by ESET researchers primarily targeted users in Brazil, with additional lures aimed at Argentina - including content spoofing local tax and customs authorities. Around 15 BTMOB RAT v2.5 samples were detected within just two weeks in late January 2025, reflecting rapid and active deployment.

It has to be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Hence, potential future iterations of BTMOB RAT could have additional or different functionalities and features.

In summary, the presence of software like BTMOB RAT on a device can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.

Remote access trojan examples

BTMOB RAT is a potent threat that combines broad device surveillance with a commercial builder model, lowering the barrier for criminals who want to spy on or steal from victims at scale. Its remote control capabilities and data theft features put infected users at serious risk of financial fraud and identity theft.

Other examples of Android-targeting remote access trojans include Mirax, Oblivion, and Arsink. While each family operates differently, the goal is always the same - gain unauthorized access to the victim's device, steal data, and exploit it for profit.

How did BTMOB RAT infiltrate my device?

BTMOB RAT is distributed primarily through phishing websites that impersonate well-known streaming services, cryptocurrency platforms, or other recognizable brands. Victims are drawn in through convincing fake pages before being prompted to take the next step.

These sites redirect visitors to counterfeit app stores designed to look like the official Google Play Store. From there, victims are prompted to download and install a malicious APK file - an app installer obtained outside of Google's official platform.

The malware has also been actively promoted via Telegram channels and social media. Operators ran promotional accounts on X and Instagram, and free sample versions appeared on underground forums to attract a wider pool of criminal buyers.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download and install applications only from the official Google Play Store or verified developer websites. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, ads, or social media posts that lead to unfamiliar download pages or unofficial app stores.

Before installing any app, review the permissions it requests and read user reviews carefully. Keep your Android OS and all installed applications up to date, and use a reliable mobile security tool to help catch threats before they take hold.

BTMOB RAT promotional page showing its subscription pricing:

Examples of Brazilian apps impersonated in BTMOB RAT phishing campaigns:

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

Formatting is generally not required to remove BTMOB RAT. Running a trusted mobile security tool like Combo Cleaner should be sufficient to detect and eliminate the threat from your device.

What are the biggest issues that BTMOB RAT malware can cause?

BTMOB RAT can give attackers complete remote control of your phone, letting them read your messages, capture screenshots, steal account credentials, and track your activity without you knowing.

This can lead to account takeovers, financial fraud, identity theft, and ongoing unauthorized surveillance of your personal and professional communications.

What is the purpose of BTMOB RAT malware?

BTMOB RAT is sold commercially to cybercriminals, so financial gain is the primary motivation for both developers and buyers. That said, individual operators may also deploy it for espionage, personal grudges, or politically motivated surveillance.

How did BTMOB RAT malware infiltrate my Android device?

BTMOB RAT is typically spread through phishing sites disguised as streaming services or cryptocurrency platforms, which funnel users toward fake app stores hosting a malicious APK installer.

It has also been promoted via Telegram channels and social media accounts. In some cases, free trial samples were distributed on underground forums to attract buyers who then ran their own campaigns.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing the vast majority of known malware infections. Performing a complete system scan is essential, as sophisticated threats like BTMOB RAT can embed themselves deep within the device.